Eggshell & Football: Vietnam’s Quirky Fan Gear
Meet Nguyen Thanh Tam – The Egg‑Shaped Mascot Maestro
At 67, this former schoolteacher turned crafting crusader spends most of his mornings turning humble eggs into fan‑favorite figurines. His latest obsession? The World Cup mascot Zabivaka, a wolf sporting sporty goggles, repeatedly kicking a tiny football.
From Christmas to the World Cup
- 2002 Christmas – Tam created a Santa Claus out of eggshells for his 13‑year‑old students.
- 2010 South Africa – He began crafting World Cup mascots during the tournament, merging his love of football with his egg‑shaped artistry.
- 2016 & 2019 – He commemorated the Rio Olympics, Euro 2016, and the Year of the Pig with themed eggshell figures.
Why Eggshells? Because They’re a Whole New Class of Crafter’s Canvas
While not common across Vietnam, eggshell artistry has a long pedigree in lacquered artwork—often the stand‑in for white paint. Tam’s delicate work demands:
- Sharpened focus
- A bit of relaxation between each snip
- Creative exploration of texture
From Chicken to Ostrich – Egg Collection Expanded
With every round of yolks consumed, Tam opens up the rest of his kitchen for more epic creations. After realizing chick‑egg sizes were limiting, he’s ventured into ostrich and quail shells, expanding the “egg‑shop” menu.
Beyond Football: Celebrities, Animals & a Dash of Pop Culture
His shelves are a shrine of ~1,000 miniature icons, from:
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
- Charlie Chaplin, Barack Obama, and PSY (yes, the Gangnam Style legend)
- Porcine tribute for the Year of the Pig
No Commerce, Only Passion (and Enthusiastic Visitors)
Despite a record title from Vietnam’s Egg‑Shadow Center, Tam’s creations remain strictly for display. “I make them for the joy of it, not for profit,” he smiles.
Future Vision: A World Record?
With a global ambition, Tam dream‑scapes a future where his egg‑shaped marvels earn a world record. For now, his cracked‑but‑crafty style continues to charm anyone who visits his humble Ho Chi Minh City atelier.
