The guardian of ancient spirits in Cam My

In Cam My commune, Dong Nai province, there is a man who for over 30 years has tirelessly traveled everywhere searching for and collecting antiques, old items, and war relics. For him, each artifact is not just an inanimate object but also a part of his memory, a witness to a difficult but proud period in the nation's history.

The gramophone with a horn speaker is one of the old, antique musical instruments that Mr. To Van Quy has collected and carefully preserved; he still occasionally plays it to listen to. Photo: Hien Luong

His sole desire is to preserve cultural and historical values ​​for future generations so that today's descendants can better understand the past and the people who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. He is To Van Quy (62 years old), a mechanic with an artistic soul, passionate about collecting antiques as a way to preserve the spirit of his homeland and cherish the beauty of time.

Each item has its own story.

Nestled beside a small road in Cam My commune, Mr. To Van Quy's house has long been a familiar stop for those who appreciate beauty and nostalgia.

The iron gate swung open, revealing a space that made one feel as if they had stepped back several decades. Oil lamps, brass trays, radios, bottles, teapots, musical instruments, pith helmets, floppy hats, padded jackets, water bottles, film projectors, typewriters, storm lamps… were neatly arranged, exuding a unique “soul” that only those who understand and cherish it can perceive.

Now, Mr. Quy's house contains thousands of antique and vintage items. Each item, however scratched or rusty, still holds a story, a philosophy of life. Preserving antiques means preserving the culture of our ancestors, preserving the Vietnamese soul amidst the turbulent modern life.

Mr. Quy recounted: His passion for antiques began in his junior high school years. At that time, his family still kept a few items from his ancestors, such as a paper holder and a jar of lard. In 1984, when his family moved to the South to start a new life, most of the old items had to be left behind in the North; his parents only managed to bring a copper tray. He has kept that tray to this day.

Upon arriving in the South and witnessing many artifacts from before 1975 being discarded or sold as scrap, he became increasingly concerned. He realized that if he didn't preserve them, these valuable items would be lost. From then on, he began requesting, buying, and collecting individual items, including war relics, so that his descendants could better understand the lives of their ancestors.

To collect these items, sometimes upon hearing that someone in Binh Thuan (now Lam Dong province) or Khanh Hoa province possessed a French-era bronze teapot, he would ride his motorbike all day to see it and negotiate the purchase. Sometimes he would travel all the way to Lam Dong or back to his hometown in Thanh Hoa just to find an item he remembered seeing. For him, collecting antiques wasn't just about spending money; it was about fate. There were items people wouldn't sell, but when they saw that he genuinely loved them, they would give them to him.

Learn to be patient and to love beauty.

According to Mr. Quy's experience, to learn about antiques, the first step is to examine the style and color. If it's porcelain, you have to look at the glaze; there are often inscriptions and markings on the bottom. Then, you should consult with researchers to get an accurate answer.

With war relics, over the past few decades, he has painstakingly collected and purchased each item and part to build his current collection. Every day, looking at the items he has searched for and preserved, he feels happy and satisfied. It is the result of his hard work and passion. For Mr. Quy, collecting antiques is a way for people to learn patience and appreciate the beauty of time.

Mr. Quy believes that preserving war relics helps the younger generation better understand the glorious era of their ancestors, something that books sometimes cannot fully convey. Without passionate collectors, these relics would fade away over time and would be very difficult to find again. For the past few years, schools and teachers in Cam My have often brought students to his house to visit and learn.

Besides his passion for antiques, Mr. To Van Quy is also passionate about singing. He can play many musical instruments despite never having studied music. Currently, his house is filled with various instruments and drums such as guitar, mandolin, Hawaiian guitar, bầu (a type of Vietnamese string instrument), kìm (a type of Vietnamese string instrument), cò (a type of Vietnamese fiddle)... For Mr. Quy, music is a thread connecting the past with the present, a way for the soul to find peace amidst a life full of worries.

Mr. Quy sings well, plays musical instruments skillfully, and has a cheerful personality. He is currently the Chairman of the Traditional Music Club in Cam My commune. He often says that playing music isn't about showing off talent, but about preserving the beauty of the soul. Thanks to him, the traditional music movement in Cam My commune is maintained regularly, attracting both young and old participants.

Mr. Pham Van Minh, Deputy Chairman of the Traditional Music Club of Cam My commune, expressed his respect for his artist friend: "Mr. Quy is a kind-hearted and passionate artist. I always admire his enthusiasm in preserving and spreading traditional music."

For over 40 years, Mr. Quy has been working as a mechanic in Cam My, his small workshop always bustling with the sounds of hammers, grinding, and welding. This mechanical work has provided him with a stable income to support his family and pursue his passion for collecting antiques and engaging in musical exchanges for decades. He cherishes a simple wish: to open a "small exhibition corner" where people, especially young people, can come to see, understand, and appreciate traditional values.

Hien Luong

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202512/nguoi-giu-hon-xua-o-cam-my-1fa09b1/