During the war the traditional craft of bas-relief in the Thach Xa fell into obscurity, since many artisans were called to duty on the battlefield. “A bas-relief artisan must at the least have a gift, passion, determination and patience,” he says. It’s the materials that make the traditional craft of bas-relief in Thach Xa unique, having been produced in the same way for more than 200 years. If new pieces are needed, he has to carefully study the scale and the history of the setting in order to restore the bas-relief work to its original quality. But he’s also come up with his own form of art – 3D bas-relief portrayals of the scenery of rural Vietnam.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 13, 2016 18:03 UTC