Hanoi (VNA) – At the 2026 Spring Fair, the image of the horse – the mascot of this Lunar Year – has emerged prominently across exhibition spaces and in a wide range of finely crafted gemstone sculptures.
Symbolising strength, speed and the aspiration for breakthroughs in eastern culture and feng shui, the dynamic horse figures have created striking visual highlights, energising the festive atmosphere and giving this year’s fair a distinctive identity.
A major attraction is a unique “Eight galloping horses” (Bat Ma) sculpture displayed at the To Trinh gemstone booth. Carved from a rare monolithic jade block, the artwork features eight spirited horses racing across golden rice fields. The harmonious blend of pure jade veins and natural golden tones enhances both its aesthetic depth and symbolic meaning, evoking prosperity and abundance associated with Vietnam’s rice civilisation.
Beyond artistic value, the piece conveys a message of new opportunities, accelerated growth and sustainable development, reflecting the country’s drive for innovation and efforts to enhance the value of its rice sector.
According to artisan To Trinh, each gemstone work follows a philosophy of respecting nature by preserving original raw surfaces and selectively polishing to reveal the stone’s natural patterns and colours, emphasising authenticity and uniqueness.
Despite the short preparation time ahead of the Lunar New Year, the fair’s organisers provided support that enabled gemstone businesses and artisans to showcase large-scale works. The gemstone exhibition area has attracted large numbers of visitors while promoting Vietnam’s jade craftsmanship and creating opportunities for partnerships with collectors and partners at home and abroad.
Visitors have expressed admiration for the distinctive artworks. Many said the gemstone horse sculptures combine artistic sophistication with auspicious meanings that align well with the spirit of 2026.
The horse motif also dominates other sections of the fair.
At the main hall’s central area, Ho Chi Minh City’s “Southern Spring Colours” display features a giant silver horse model in a powerful rearing pose, symbolising determination and upward momentum. Designed in a faceted contemporary style, the structure reflects light from the glass dome above, highlighting its modern and dynamic character.
The installation is surrounded by large golden circular elements reminiscent of motion and continuity, while the base is decorated with yellow blossoms and flowing wave patterns representing rivers, seas and the southern metropolis’s spirit of reaching outward.
Placed under the expansive exhibition dome and framed by rows of yellow apricot blossoms, the display has become a popular check-in spot for visitors, many of whom take photos to share on social media and to send wishes for luck, health and success in the new year.
From the monumental silver horse at the main hall to intricate gemstone carvings, the diverse horse images throughout the Spring Fair convey messages of renewal, progress and optimism. More than just the year’s mascot, the horse has become a memorable symbol for visitors, representing a vibrant spring filled with movement, confidence and expectations for the year ahead./.
