Upon hearing the news of Secretary-General Nguyen Phu Trong's passing, artisan Dinh Lam Toi was deeply moved.

"I have always admired Secretary-General Nguyen Phu Trong for his talent, virtue, and tireless dedication to our country. Though I never met him personally, his sincerity, simplicity, and commitment to the people were evident through media and online images. I wanted to use my modest talent to create a piece of art that would honor his memory in the hearts of the Vietnamese people," said Toi.

Driven by this intention, Dinh Lam Toi and his four collaborators worked through the night to complete a bronze portrait of the Secretary-General, paying close attention to each detail to capture his essence.

To begin, the process involved heating the bronze to make it malleable for carving. The artisans then meticulously carved each feature—nose, eyes, mouth—using specialized tools.

"The artisans had to remain exceptionally focused to convey the Secretary-General’s essence in the portrait," Toi explained.

The traditional technique of portrait carving requires high skill, not only in capturing physical likeness but also in portraying the character and spirit of the subject. Through their admiration for Nguyen Phu Trong, the artisans created a compelling piece that resonates emotionally and memorializes the esteemed leader.

Despite numerous offers to purchase the portrait, Dinh Lam Toi declined, saying: "We wish to keep it as a memento. This portrait is not just a work of art but a symbol of love and gratitude for an exceptional leader of our nation."

Born in 1985 in the traditional bronze carving village of Dai Bai in Bac Ninh Province, Dinh Lam Toi has over 16 years of experience in crafting bronze artifacts, gold leafing, and gold plating. He is also skilled in the art of detailed bronze portraiture, a technique that demands meticulousness, patience, and high artistic talent.

Tinh Le