"Breathing life" into the horse mascot to welcome the Year of the Horse 2026

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse in 2026, at the 2,500 square meter workshop of Tan Viet Fine Arts Production, Trading and Service Joint Stock Company (located in Ho Nai ward, Dong Nai province), the atmosphere was bustling with activity from early morning until late at night. Amidst the sounds of machinery, the smell of paint, and rough blocks of material, pairs of hands diligently shaped, molded, and polished to "breathe life" into mascots in various horse shapes – symbols of strength, perseverance, and the aspiration to reach greater heights in the new year of the Horse.

Besides traditional manual methods, many stages have been supported by modern technology. From constructing the iron frame and controlling pre-programmed robotic arms to cut and shape each part from large blocks of foam such as the body, head, mane, or legs of the mascot, to the sanding and finishing processes, all require high precision. Robots help the details achieve uniformity and correct design proportions, shorten the time for creating the molds, and reduce errors in large shapes.

However, even after the machines complete the basic shaping, the product still requires human hands to refine each detail. Processes such as: sculpting the lines; creating softness in the muscles; depicting the eyes, expression, or graceful posture all require meticulousness, patience, and years of experience from the craftsman. Even a small deviation in the mane, leg position, or gaze can make the mascot stiff and lifeless. Therefore, the craft of making mascots is a harmonious combination of modern technology and handcrafted skills, where the craftsman works not only with strength but also with refined sensibility, aesthetic sense, and passion for the craft.

From the workshop, the finished horse mascots are packaged and shipped to provinces and cities nationwide to be displayed in parks, squares, and residential areas, contributing to the vibrant and warm atmosphere of the spring season. This year, the workshop not only serves the domestic market but also exports some mascot designs to foreign markets, meeting stringent technical and aesthetic requirements.

Besides traditional designs, the workshop also creates a special, iconic model depicting Saint Gióng riding a horse into the sky, combining elements of Vietnamese folklore with modern styling. This model is elaborately crafted, large in size, and features many intricate details, expressing the aspiration for advancement and the heroic spirit of the nation in the new year.

The workshop produces a wide variety of horse mascots in different sizes.

Choosing the right size of foam is the first step in the mascot crafting process.

The data for creating the mascot was created on a computer.

The robotic arm cuts the foam block, creating the initial rough shape with high precision.

The technician operates the robotic arm system according to pre-programmed parameters.

For mascots with dynamic poses like galloping horses, large and long iron frames are reinforced to ensure load-bearing capacity.

The craftsman is adjusting the details for the mascot.

The process involves heating, bending, and reinforcing the iron frame.

The painting and coloring process is carried out by skilled hands in the workshop.

Inspect and review product quality before delivery to customers.

Le Duy

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202601/thoi-hon-cho-linh-vat-ngua-chao-xuanbinh-ngo-2026-d3700f2/