The Journey to Becoming an Artisan

Born and raised in a village deeply connected to bamboo culture, Phuong Do developed an early appreciation for this natural material. To him, bamboo roots are not merely raw materials but an endless source of inspiration. Over years of research and experimentation, he has crafted a unique technique that blends traditional and modern elements to create intricate and lifelike sculptures.

Unique Artistic Creations

Phuong Do’s works are more than just handicrafts; they carry profound cultural, spiritual, and artistic value.

Historical Figures Sculptures

• Vietnamese Historical Figures: He has vividly depicted the images of national icons such as General Tran Hung Dao, Emperor Quang Trung, and President Ho Chi Minh.

• Ancient Chinese Figures: Renowned Chinese scholars like Confucius, Laozi, Mencius, and Zhu Xi are masterfully carved, embodying the wisdom and virtues of great Confucian philosophers.

Spiritual Figures

Phuong Do places great emphasis on creating spiritual sculptures, bridging art with the human spirit:

• Buddhism: Statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Guan Yin (Bodhisattva of Compassion), and Maitreya Buddha convey serenity and peace.

• Taoism: Depictions of figures such as Laozi and various Taoist immortals reflect a harmonious connection with nature and the cosmos.

• Folk Deities: Sculptures of deities from Vietnamese and Asian folklore, such as Jade Emperor, Nam Tao, and Bac Dau, exude an aura of majesty and mystery.

Portraits of Ancient Chinese Scholars and Poets

• Four Great Poets: Sculptures of Li Bai, Du Fu, Su Shi (Su Dongpo), and Wang Wei showcase the creativity and refined demeanor of these literary icons who left indelible marks on Chinese poetry.

• Military Strategists and Philosophers: The legendary Zhuge Liang (Kong Ming) with his feather fan and Sun Tzu, author of The Art of War, symbolize wisdom and strategic brilliance.

Sacred and Mythical Creatures

In addition to human figures, Phuong Do also carves mythical creatures that carry spiritual and feng shui significance:

• Dragons and Phoenixes: Sculptures of soaring dragons and majestic phoenixes represent power, rebirth, and harmony.

• Kirin and Turtle Spirits: These creatures symbolize longevity, wisdom, and good fortune.

Meaning and Vision

Phuong Do’s creations are not just decorative pieces but vessels for conveying messages about environmental preservation and the safeguarding of cultural and spiritual heritage. He believes that each artwork has its own soul, connecting humanity to nature and traditional values.

Today, his works have become a source of pride for Vietnamese art, earning acclaim and admiration both domestically and internationally.