The old man is passionate about making miniature models of ancient houses.

Before spending a lot of time on this hobby of making miniature models, Mr. Than had struggled to make a living in Ho Chi Minh City for more than 20 years. Although he had spent a long time living in a foreign land, he still had a longing for his homeland. Therefore, when he felt that he was no longer suitable for the hustle and bustle of city life, Mr. Than decided to return to his hometown to find a peaceful life and enjoy his old age. When he returned to his hometown, he realized that life was increasingly developing, and along with that, the landscape was also changing. Spacious high-rise tiled-roof houses were built close together, and wide, asphalted roads replaced the small alleys of the past. The familiar countryside scenery in Mr. Than's mind was now gradually replaced by the modern pace of life.

The model scenery from the roof and lake is recreated very closely by Mr. Than.

However, the love for his homeland and traditional values ​​still smolders in his heart. He misses the thatched roofs, the earthen walls, and the small ponds reflecting the rows of trees. That familiar image, like a part of his flesh and blood, is inseparable from him. From there, Mr. Than's passion for recreating memories through miniature landscape models was born. "Life is increasingly developing, the images of the 3-room, 5-room, 2-wing houses of the past are also gradually disappearing. Because I want to preserve some memories for my descendants to know, I have been attached to this hobby for more than 6 years," Mr. Than confided.

Thatched roofs, old laterite walls, fences, wells, and even familiar objects such as tables and chairs, bamboo beds, water jars, etc. Every detail, even the smallest, is carefully crafted by Mr. Than, from the way it is shaped to the colors, all blend together to create an extremely vibrant space.

The model is meticulously crafted and cast in solid cement.

Mr. Than used brown and yellow as the main colors to recreate the laterite house.

The interesting thing about Mr. Than's miniature models is that they are not based on any drawings or templates. Every detail is recreated by him from familiar images in his memories. That is why each of his works is not only beautiful, but also brings a sense of closeness to anyone who sees it.

The models are being completed by Mr. Than.

To share his passion, Mr. Than also brings his works to the park for everyone to admire and learn. These models are sometimes offered to be bought as souvenirs by many people. “I usually finish them and leave them there to admire. If anyone finds them beautiful and wants to buy them, I will sell them. Thanks to that, I also earn a little extra income. Seeing that many people are interested in this hobby of mine makes me very happy,” Mr. Than happily recounted.

For Mr. Than, creating miniature landscape models is not only a hobby but also a way for him to preserve beautiful memories of his homeland. More importantly, he wants the younger generations, especially those living in the city, to have the opportunity to learn and experience the traditional cultural values ​​of the Vietnamese countryside. Therefore, despite his old age, Mr. Than still does not stop creating, continuing to create miniature landscape models with his heart.

Article and photos: AI VY

Source: https://baoquangngai.vn/van-hoa/202503/cu-ong-dam-me-che-tac-mo-hinh-tieu-canh-nha-xua-5b93fcc/