On Friday, a contest was launched in Da Nang to create different designs for carvings of lions and 'Nghe' (a fictional creature with the head of a lion, the body of a dog, and a long tail), both of which are imbued with the Vietnamese cultural identity.

The contest is open to carvers and production establishments in the city’s Non Nuoc stone carving village and members of the municipal Fine Arts Association.

Non Nuoc stone sculptures

The entries are required to be made from marble, plaster or composite, and they must be at least 80cm in height.

A total of one A, one B and 2 C prizes will be given out at an awards ceremony which is scheduled to take place in October. 

In addition, the 20 most outstanding sculptures will be selected for display at an exhibition in a local public area during the same month.