For many generations of Vietnamese people, clay statues were once an indispensable folk toy of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Over the past time, with the appearance of modern and attractive toys, the traditional folk toy has gradually fallen into oblivion. At present, perhaps, Phung Dinh Giap from the northern province of Bac Ninh, is likely the last artisan, who stills crafts the traditional toy when the Mid-Autumn Festival comes.

Like many other craft villages around the country, a village making kitchen god statues in Thua Thien-Hue province struggles to survive in the market economy. But one family has set aside economic rules to preserve the craft.