The sound of saws, chisels, and cheerful conversations fills the air as craftsmen work tirelessly to complete orders on time.

Xuan Truong is one of Ninh Binh’s most renowned Catholic wood carving villages, with dozens of workshops running year-round.

Its handcrafted statues vary widely in size and design, suitable for churches and private homes alike.

Prices range from a few dozen dollars to several thousand, depending on the material, size, and intricacy of each piece.

During the final months of the year, production activity surges as workshops ramp up manpower and extend hours to meet a wave of holiday demand.

At the workshop run by Vu Van Tu, 20 artisans are working full-time to complete orders for churches, stores, and private clients.

“From October to December, our entire village goes into overdrive,” Tu said. “Orders for Christmas keep pouring in, and we often have to hire extra workers to keep up.”

“A 50–60 cm statue usually takes three to five days to finish, while pieces over one meter tall can take up to a month. That’s why many customers start placing orders as early as August.”

“This year, my workshop will ship out nearly 1,000 items - including statues, altars, and pulpits - to destinations all across the country.”

The statue-making process involves multiple meticulous steps.

First, the artisan sketches a model based on the customer’s request and selects a suitable wood type.

Then comes shaping, carving, fine detailing, sanding, and finally, applying PU (polyurethane) lacquer to give the surface a smooth, glossy, and durable finish.

Among these, the carving and detailing phase is the most demanding - it requires both masterful technique and a deep understanding of religious figures to breathe life into each expression and gesture.

“While a single craftsman can do everything, we divide tasks at my workshop,” Tu explained. “Each person specializes in a specific step. That way, we maximize efficiency and maintain high quality.”

Nguyen Xuan Hien, who has more than 20 years of experience in wood sculpture, added:

“Making Catholic statues demands more than skill - it requires profound knowledge of the faith. You must understand the history and story behind each Saint to express their features and emotions accurately.”

“Even during this peak season, I never rush through my work. Every detail matters.”

It’s not just Tu’s workshop feeling the holiday surge - nearly every Catholic woodcraft shop in Xuan Truong is operating at full speed.

Despite the pressure, the atmosphere remains upbeat, with workers motivated by both passion for the craft and the prospect of better year-end earnings.

Trong Tung