PORCELAIN RELIEF "MY COUNTRY - MY PEOPLE"

From a sculptural artwork, this monumental porcelain bas-relief has grown into a powerful symbol of creativity, embodying the devotion, mastery, and quiet pride of the artisans of Minh Long. Through the skilled hands of the craftsmen, scenes of everyday life and cultural traditions of the Vietnamese people—beginning with the peaceful rural landscapes of the South and extending across the country—are brought vividly to life. The two interconnected sections, “My Nation” and “My People,” are not simply sculptural compositions; they are living chronicles, shaped by the hearts and souls of generations of Vietnamese.

This bas-relief stands as a profound emblem of national identity, reflecting Vietnam’s deep bond with history, tradition, and enduring cultural values. It narrates the country’s 4,000-year journey of nation-building and resilience, from the ancient legend of “The Dragon and the Fairy’s Descendants” to the steadfast images of Vietnamese people across time. At its spiritual center stands the Hùng King, framed by a bronze drum glowing like a radiant halo. He raises the sacred flame—an eternal symbol of the nation’s will to build, protect, and endure. Surrounding this central figure is the strong presence of Vietnam’s fraternal ethnic communities, expressing unity in diversity and harmony among cultures.

Stretching 99 meters in length and rising 9 meters in height, the bas-relief is not only monumental in scale but also rich in philosophical meaning. The number nine, a symbol of eternity in Eastern thought, affirms the enduring vitality of the Vietnamese nation and its civilization—one that has continuously evolved while remaining rooted in its origins. Beyond recounting history, the work conveys a quiet aspiration for permanence, sustainability, and peace.

Deeply grounded in traditional aesthetics, the bas-relief demonstrates remarkable subtlety in its portrayal of historical moments and everyday life. Its restrained, classical color palette—reminiscent of natural stone—harmonizes seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, creating a composition that feels both timeless and contemporary. Every detail is meticulously carved with sensitivity and care, revealing vivid snapshots of Vietnamese life across generations: children at play, street vendors balancing their goods, cart drivers, blacksmiths at work, and countless other familiar scenes. Through attire, gestures, and daily activities, viewers are invited to see history through images.

Vietnamese culture is expressed most authentically through these humble, familiar moments. In elevating the ordinary to the monumental, the bas-relief honors the people themselves—those whose daily lives have quietly shaped the nation.

The creation of “My Nation – My People” is the culmination of more than a decade of research and experimentation. It represents a harmonious fusion of traditional porcelain craftsmanship and modern technology. Fired at 1,380°C, the reactive-glazed porcelain panels transform into a stone-like material of exceptional strength, ensuring durability and resilience under Vietnam’s tropical climate.

More than an artwork, the Porcelain Relief “My Nation – My People” stands as a visual epic—a lasting tribute to the Vietnamese people, their history, and their unbroken spirit, carved in porcelain for generations to come.