In the final days leading up to the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, woodcarvers in Cuoi Lu Village (Da Nang City) are racing against time to finish a flood of wooden horse sculpture orders in time for delivery.

Wooden horse sculptures steal the show

In the open fields of Hoi An Tay ward, the workshop of artist Le Ngoc Thuan (born 1980) hums with the constant rhythm of chisels and saws. Master artisans from the traditional Kim Bong carpentry village have been called in to help carve and shape the horses, working from dawn till dusk in a flurry of activity.

Thuan, now recognized as a contemporary artist, is known for his journey transforming discarded driftwood, rotted trunks, and scrap timber into artistic wooden creations. Despite having no formal training in sculpture, he taught himself and partnered with Kim Bong craftsmen to develop a distinctive design language.

Founded in 2022, Cuoi Lu Village quickly became a unique art space in Hoi An. Wood salvaged from floods and rivers is “reborn” through skilled hands into sculptures of people, animals, and mythical figures, creating stable livelihoods for local woodworkers.

After four years of dedication, Cuoi Lu’s products have reached major markets like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond in-person showrooms, several pieces are now sold through online platforms, helping to expand their market reach.

According to Thuan, every Tet season his workshop unveils a new collection of zodiac animals to meet demand for festive décor and gifts. This year, the horse has proven especially popular.

“Orders for horse figures have increased significantly,” he said. “Some customers order a hundred at a time as gifts for business partners, while others want one-of-a-kind display pieces. Even though we anticipated demand and began sculpting mid-2025, we’ve had to work nonstop to keep up.”

Horse sculptures priced at over $400 each

Most wooden horse sculptures for the Tet market are made from sapele wood, valued for its durability, attractive grain, and stability - ideal for festive gifts and décor. Sculptures made from driftwood tend to be intended for display, art exhibitions, or collectors.

The designs are intentionally stylized rather than realistic, focusing on expression and spirit. Each piece is fully handcrafted, often taking one to two weeks to complete depending on complexity.

Prices range from about $40 to over $400 per sculpture, with the $80–$200 range being most popular.

In addition to commissioned pieces, some sculptures are created spontaneously, inspired by the natural shape of the driftwood itself.

“Sculptures made from lacquered wood or driftwood fetch higher prices, typically $280 to several hundred dollars each,” said Thuan.

Beyond the Tet season, many of Cuoi Lu’s pieces are sold year-round as home décor, corporate gifts, and tourism displays - helping the workshop maintain steady employment for skilled local artisans.

Carving tradition and joy into every sculpture

Currently, Thuan’s workshop employs around 20 experienced woodworkers. Huynh Tan Trien (born 1988), who’s worked there for three years, shared: “As Tet nears, orders spike, and we’re working almost nonstop. Since many pieces are given as gifts, every detail has to be perfect.”

Vo Duc Anh (born 1981), a woodcarver with over 20 years of experience, added: “This year’s Tet orders demand more refined forms and finishes. The year-end workload is tough, but we’re all happy that our ‘creative children’ are so well received, and that we’re earning a steady income.”

In the days before Tet, Cuoi Lu Village becomes more than a workshop - it’s a destination. Visitors come to watch the artisans in action, marveling at the transformation of driftwood into cheerful horse sculptures. The festive spirit they bring adds a distinct springtime charm to Hoi An, and points to a promising path of creative industry and sustainable tourism.

Ha Nam