A stunning Tet holiday display featuring five massive kumquat trees arranged on a sculpted concrete basin has captivated the attention of residents in Van Giang District, Hung Yen Province. This one-of-a-kind creation is considered one of the finest Tet bonsai masterpieces in the region.

The creator of this extraordinary work is Pham Van Hoan, born in 1988 in Lien Nghia Commune, Van Giang District.

A graduate of Hanoi University of Architecture, Hoan chose to leave his career in architectural design to pursue his passion for ornamental plants, a craft deeply rooted in the culture of his hometown.

A monumental masterpiece

Since 2018, Hoan has been designing “supersized” Tet bonsai displays. Drawing on his formal training and innate artistic talent, he quickly gained recognition for crafting intricate and impressive plant displays.

For the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Snake 2025, Hoan unveiled his latest masterpiece, “Ngu Phuc” (Five Blessings).

The centerpiece is a colossal concrete basin measuring 7 meters in length, 3 meters in width, and weighing over 3 tons.

Inside the basin, five kumquat trees are planted amidst staggered concrete formations designed to resemble a miniature mountain landscape.

Small pockets of soil between the concrete layers are used to plant vibrant flowers, such as lipstick plants and ornamental perilla, adding bursts of color to the scene.

A water reservoir beneath the basin keeps the soil moist and provides a cooling effect, while also aligning with Eastern feng shui principles for harmony and prosperity.

To enhance the natural appearance, Hoan painted the concrete structures with a moss-green faux-stone finish, imbuing the design with life and character.

A symbol of abundance

Each kumquat tree in the display stands over 2 meters tall, with canopies spanning 3 meters in width.

These trees have been meticulously cultivated and shaped, with branches intricately woven to resemble large fans or bird wings.

“When placed together, the kumquat canopies resemble giant mounds of sticky rice, or a layered umbrella with one canopy seamlessly connecting to the next,” Hoan explained.

The most striking feature is the uniformity of the fruit, with evenly ripened, glossy kumquats forming a golden carpet that stretches across the display.

Hoan set the price for this masterpiece at 200 million VND (approximately $8,400 USD), a reflection of the significant effort and artistry invested in creating such a unique work.

Artistic and symbolic significance

According to Hoan, the giant kumquat bonsai is more than just a decorative piece for the Lunar New Year.

It serves as a symbol of fullness and prosperity, embodying the Eastern belief in starting the new year with auspicious symbols.

“This is not an ordinary Tet plant, but a high-level work of art that is both unique and meaningful,” Hoan said.

The display’s grand scale and intricate design have earned widespread admiration, solidifying its status as a standout piece in Hung Yen’s Tet ornamental plant scene.

Vu Diep