Inside a modest woodworking workshop along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An ward, Da Nang, the steady rhythm of chisels and planes fills the air. Surrounded by blocks of timber, artisan Huynh Suong (born 1969) works quietly, much as he has for most of his life.

A 13th-generation heir to a renowned woodcarving family and the son of People’s Artisan Huynh Ri, Suong came to the craft almost naturally. Yet, he believes that diligence alone is not enough to become a skilled woodworker.

“A craftsman must understand patterns, understand the grain of wood, and feel the spirit of each piece,” he said.

For Suong, the value of a work lies not in its complexity or the number of details, but in whether it conveys depth - of the material, the maker and the land it comes from.

From a young age, he followed his father to restore ancient structures in Hoi An and across central Vietnam. Those years honed his skills, but also shaped a principle he holds firmly: technique must go hand in hand with emotion.

Some pieces can be completed in a single session. Others, he leaves untouched for weeks or even months, waiting for the idea to fully mature before beginning. Rushing, he believes, may complete a task, but cannot create a soul.

His work “Nguon coi” (The source of origins) stands as a clear testament. Inspired by the Vietnamese legend of the gourd, the intricately carved piece features more than 1,000 Ly Dynasty dragons alongside cultural symbols such as Ho Guom, Van Mieu and Chua Mot Cot. All are crafted from a single block of wood, with no joints and no repetition.

“Someone once offered VND3 billion (US$121,000) for this gourd-shaped piece, but I refused. I want to keep it as a milestone of my craft, because it can never be recreated a second time,” Suong said firmly.

Beyond being a craftsman, he is also regarded as a guardian of Kim Bong woodworking village.

There was a time when the more than 600-year-old craft village fell into decline, with many artisans abandoning the trade. In that context, Suong returned to his hometown and, together with his family, revived the workshop.

In 1996, when Kim Bong carpentry received support from UNESCO and local authorities for restoration, he persuaded his family to break from the tradition of passing the craft only within the lineage, opening training opportunities to young people.

“This craft is selective. But precisely because of that, we must find the right people to pass it on to. If the younger generation remains committed, Kim Bong carpentry still has a chance to grow and reach further,” he shared.

Alongside preserving the craft, he actively sought ways to bring his products to international markets. Starting with small orders from visiting tourists, his wooden works gradually found their place abroad.

Today, his workshop welcomes dozens of visitors daily, many of whom become customers after witnessing the meticulous handmade process and commission bespoke pieces.

Custom-made products range from several million to hundreds of millions of VND, while international clients from Europe and the Americas are willing to pay between US$2,000 and US$10,000 depending on craftsmanship and materials.

A defining characteristic of his work is that it cannot be mass-produced. Each piece of wood has its own grain, requiring a unique approach, ensuring that every finished product carries its own identity.

“Only creativity can make traditional woodcraft fresh and diverse, enhancing its value and meeting increasingly sophisticated demand,” he said.

Currently, his workshop provides stable employment for nearly 10 workers. Each year, it also undertakes restoration and construction of dozens of architectural projects, creating additional seasonal jobs for local residents.

Alongside high-value works, the workshop produces wooden statues, carved paintings and souvenirs for tourists, all handcrafted.

According to Suong, products can evolve to suit the market, but the essence must remain intact.

“Machines can work faster, but they cannot replace human hands. If that element is lost, then it is no longer Kim Bong carpentry,” he said.

In 2013, Huynh Suong was recognized as an Outstanding Artisan. In 2025, he was awarded the title of People’s Artisan. Yet for him, the greatest reward is not in titles, but in the enduring sound of chisels in his riverside workshop and the unbroken flame of Kim Bong craftsmanship.

 
Ha Nam