Dao Trong Cuong finishes
a portrait of the new Thai prime minister.
Dao Trong Cuong breathes
a sign of relief after putting the fine touches on portraits
of regional leaders who will attend the Asia Pacific
Economic Co-operation (APEC) meeting here next week.
The portraits, which incorporate
more than 30 different kinds of precious stones, including
rubies and sapphires, will be gifts to APEC leaders.
Cuong, head of Hanoi based
Than Chau Ngoc Viet Gems and Jewellery Company, laboured
with 30 other painters and artisans over the past six
months to complete the one a kind of portraits.
“Leaders represent the best
of their respective economies economies, while these
gems are among the most precious and longest lasting
in nature. So the pictures are symbolic presents,” says
Cuong.
He adds that when leaders
look at these images they will remember Vietnam fondly.
The artist refused to reveal
how much the portraits were worth, saying they were
made with all their hearts.
The portraits will be displayed
at APEC Images and Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage Exhibition
in Hanoi from November 14- 23. (VNS) |
