As the Lunar New Year approaches, a business specializing in gold-plated gifts in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, is rushing to complete orders for its customers.

Unique products such as gold-plated snakes, golden apricot blossoms, and peach trees with gold accents have become popular items this festive season.

The shop has introduced 20 different models of snake-themed figurines for the Lunar New Year of 2025. These include designs featuring snakes coiled around gold ingots or spitting out coins, crafted from solid bronze and coated with 24K gold.

Among the standout creations is a 38 cm tall cobra statue priced at approximately 18 million VND (about $740), while the smallest model, standing at 15 cm, is available for 7 million VND (around $290).

According to Dinh Quang Thang, the head of design and production, each product is meticulously conceptualized and crafted. Most designs for this year feature the cobra, symbolizing strength and power.

Customers have shown a strong interest in pieces like the snake spitting out coins or coiled around a gold ingot, which are believed to bring prosperity and fortune in the new year.

In Eastern cultures, snakes are often associated with luck, wisdom, and renewal. They are revered for their ability to shed their skin, symbolizing rebirth and resilience. The intricate details of these sculptures enhance their appeal, making them not just gifts but also cherished artworks.

Creating these gold-plated figurines involves around 40 production steps, including wax modeling, mold creation, casting, surface finishing, gold plating, and drying.

"Every step demands skill and precision because one mistake could require starting over. The biggest challenge in sculpting snakes is capturing their dynamic essence while maintaining an approachable aesthetic," said Thang.

This business plans to produce 3,000 units of each snake model to meet the demand for Lunar New Year 2025. Additionally, they have introduced two exclusive designs: the five-blessing golden apricot tree and the five-blessing golden peach tree.

These limited-edition items aim to add a distinctive touch to Tet celebrations, reflecting both artistry and tradition.

Nguyen Hue