The Vietnam Record Association has officially awarded a record certificate to artist Bui Van Toan (art name Bui Quoc Toan) for hosting Vietnam’s first-ever glass engraving portrait exhibition, showcasing portraits of national leaders across different historical periods.

The record was set through the art exhibition titled “Clear light through crystal glass,” held at the Ho Guom Cultural Information Center.

The exhibition features eight one-of-a-kind glass-engraved portraits of President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and Party General Secretaries of the Communist Party of Vietnam from 1945 to the present. All works were crafted using glass engraving, an art form still new in Vietnam, created with a single tool: a hammer.

According to Bui Quoc Toan, this unique artistic style has received praise both domestically and internationally. He has also been invited to Italy to present his work.

At the certificate ceremony, Dr. Ngo Quang Xuan, Vice President of the Central Vietnam Record Association, emphasized: “Artistic creativity always needs pioneers. Bui Quoc Toan’s works are not only unique but also hold historical value. This record certificate is not only a recognition of his dedication but also an encouragement for other artists, especially the younger generation, to push creative boundaries.”

Emotionally receiving the award, Bui Quoc Toan shared: “I’ve long been passionate about painting portraits of national leaders, especially Uncle Ho. I developed a special passion for using glass as a medium. It's a completely new and difficult material - just one mistake means starting over. But that very challenge motivated me to conquer it. The cracks and light refractions on the glass create a shimmering effect, reflecting the simple yet radiant beauty of revolutionary warriors.”

Speaking about his hammer technique, Toan explained that deliberate impacts create unique visual effects. Where the glass breaks, it refracts light and gives off a glowing, gem-like effect. Though seemingly fragile, the glass endures millions of controlled strikes, producing countless radiant glimmers that ultimately form the image of a great man - President Ho Chi Minh - and his brilliant disciples.