Every morning, 60-year-old Mr. Phan Van Hung chooses a spot on Thanh Thai Street in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, to set up his brass burner polishing service. Photo: Truong Dinh.
Mr. Hung’s tools are simple: a motor, cleaning supplies like scrapers, brushes, clean cloths, and wax. According to Mr. Hung, polishing a brass burner to a beautiful shine is not difficult, but it requires attention to detail and a bit of experience. Photo: Truong Dinh.
“From the 15th day of the twelfth lunar month onward, people start bringing their brass burners for polishing,” says Mr. Hung. “This is a once-a-year opportunity to earn extra money for the Tet holiday. More importantly, I believe in the spiritual significance of this work—by polishing the burners, we create a clean and dignified space for each family’s ancestral altar.” Photo: Truong Dinh.
Not only in Quy Nhon, but across Vietnam, it is common to see signs advertising brass burner polishing services at this time of year. For many families, their brass burner set is a treasured heirloom passed down through generations, holding immense spiritual value. This delicate work always requires careful handling. Photo: Truong Dinh.
Depending on the size and complexity of the burner, the polisher will quote a price, typically ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND. Photo: Truong Dinh.
The most challenging part of the process is the actual polishing, which requires experience and focus. Even a moment’s lapse in attention can result in damaging the intricate details of the burner or even causing it to fly off, potentially injuring the worker. Photo: Truong Dinh.
According to these artisans, their customers’ trust is paramount, so they must approach their work with integrity. They must work meticulously, ensuring a brilliant shine while preventing scratches, deformities, or loss of any parts. Photo: Truong Dinh.
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