Watch artisans create gold-plated dragons to dance and welcome the Year of the Dragon 2024

Admire the gilded dragon crafted by artisans from Bat Trang pottery village.

Ceramic businesses in Bat Trang craft village (Gia Lam district, Hanoi ) are always busy in the days before Lunar New Year, busy producing unique products with the image of dragons, the mascot of the year of the Dragon. In particular, there is a product inspired by a golden seal, called "Sacred Dragon Seal".

Mr. Pham Viet Khoa, an artisan, said that every year his workshop is assigned to make a mascot corresponding to that year.

This year, the product his workshop commissioned was a gold-plated dragon seal, stylized after the "Emperor's Treasure" gold seal from the Minh Mang era.

Since ancient times, the image of the dragon has always symbolized majesty, prosperity and luck.

Shaping from clay is the most difficult and important step, requiring the artisan to be meticulous in every detail, to create a product with the exact shape as required.

Every detail is handmade, with all the skill and meticulousness of the potter.

After the dragon seals are finished forming in clay, the blanks will be glazed and baked for about 5 days before being painted and gilded.

The dragon image was created by Mr. Khoa based on the dragon image of the Le dynasty, currently residing at Kinh Thien Palace (Thang Long Imperial Citadel).

After firing, the craftsman will use liquid gold to draw each line on the product, then continue firing for 6 - 8 hours to make the product stand out and luxurious.

Mr. Mac Trieu Duong, who has 4 years of experience in painting on ceramic products, said that to complete a dragon mascot, it takes him on average 2.5 hours for one product, and he can complete up to 5 products a day.

"The most difficult step is drawing the hidden details, deep in the small crevices on the product," said Mr. Duong.

The finished product must have an even gold shine, no burn marks, and seamless lines. On the 3 sides of the product are the words An - Thuan - Phat, the other side is carved with a carp transforming into a dragon, symbolizing development, excellence, and moving to a new stage.

Currently, the dragon mascot is always in a "sold out" state, each product sold has a certificate of ownership. The price of each dragon mascot product is being offered at a price of 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 VND (depending on version and color).

Mr. Nguyen Van Luc, the unit that came up with the idea and ordered the artisans to make the Giap Thin sacred products, said: "The collection named "Sacred Dragon Mark" is meant to be a milestone marking a new era, entering a new phase of prosperity."

Source: https://vtc.vn/xem-nghe-nhan-che-tac-rong-dat-vang-mua-luon-don-tet-giap-thin-2024-ar845740.html