Introduction to Vietnamese traditional craft villages
Vietnam is a country with a rich history and culture, where hundreds of traditional craft villages exist, from ceramics, carpentry, weaving to do paper making, wood carving, or crafting. copper. Craft villages are not only places to create sophisticated handicraft products but also cultural cradles, where artisans diligently preserve and promote the nation’s traditional values through each product. .
The story of artisans is a story of patience, love of craft and passion for creativity. They are the keepers of the fire, those who quietly preserve cultural values through passing on their craft to the next generation. Through their talented hands, each handmade product is not only an object but also a work of art, containing the passion and soul of its maker.
1. Bat Trang Pottery Village – Where art sublimates
Bat Trang Pottery Village, located along the Red River, on the outskirts of Hanoi, is one of the oldest and most famous ceramic villages in Vietnam. Bat Trang ceramic artists are not only technically skilled but also creative in each product, from tea sets, flower vases, to Buddha and bronze statues. With skillful hands and a deep understanding of materials, Bat Trang artisans have created sophisticated ceramic works with high aesthetic and historical value.
The story of Bat Trang ceramic artists is a story of perseverance and love for the profession. To create a complete ceramic product, they have to go through many stages, from choosing soil, kneading, shaping, to decorating and burning. Each step requires extreme meticulousness and precision. Artisans in Bat Trang constantly improve techniques, preserving traditional quintessence and creating to meet the tastes of the new era.
The story of artist Nguyen Van Nghiep
Mr. Nguyen Van Nghiep, a famous ceramic artist in Bat Trang, has devoted his whole life to pottery. He said that from a young age, his father taught him the craft, and from then on, ceramics became an inseparable passion in his life. His works are famous for their delicate motifs and unique enamel colors, and are exported to many countries around the world. He always believes: “Making ceramics is not just about making a product but about putting the artist’s mind and soul into every smallest detail.”
2. Dong Ho Painting Village – A place to preserve folk culture
Dong Ho painting, a famous Vietnamese folk painting, originated from Dong Ho village, Bac Ninh province. Dong Ho painting artists use do paper, a traditional type of paper, along with natural colors from tree bark and flowers to create colorful and meaningful paintings. Dong Ho painting is not only a decorative art but also reflects the life, culture and customs of Vietnamese people through the centuries.
Dong Ho artisans not only preserve and develop this line of paintings but are also storytellers through their works. Each painting is a story about life, from images of “Rat wedding”, “Buffalo playing flute” to paintings about traditional beliefs and customs. The artist not only creates paintings but also conveys profound cultural values through each stroke.
The story of artist Nguyen Dang Che
Artist Nguyen Dang Che, one of the custodians of the Dong Ho painting line, has devoted his life to preserving and developing this folk painting art. He is the one who has restored and preserved many traditional paintings that were thought to be lost. He shared: “Dong Ho paintings are the soul of the nation, each painting carries the story of life and the people of Vietnam.”
3. Van Phuc Silk Village – Delicate features in each silk thread
Van Phuc silk village, located in Ha Dong district, Hanoi, is famous for traditional silk weaving. Van Phuc silk was once a symbol of luxury and sophistication, used in the royal court and exported to many countries. To create a complete piece of silk, artisans have to go through many stages, from raising silkworms, spinning threads to weaving and dyeing. Each Van Phuc silk product carries with it the sophistication and skillful skills of village craftsmen.
The story of Van Phuc silk village is a story of meticulousness and endless creative spirit. The artisans here not only create smooth silk sheets but also give each product its own story, expressing the quintessence of the craft village and love for traditional silk weaving.
The story of artist Nguyen Thi Tam
Ms. Nguyen Thi Tam, a Van Phuc silk artisan with more than 40 years of experience, shared: “Silk weaving is a profession of patience. Every thread, every line on each piece of silk must be meticulous and precise. Silk is not only a fabric but also the passion of the craftsman, the crystallization of months of effort and love for the craft.”
4. Kim Bong Carpentry Village – The essence of carving art
Kim Bong Carpentry Village, located in Hoi An, Quang Nam, is famous for traditional carpentry and wood carving art. Kim Bong artisans are skilled workers, with talented hands who have created sophisticated wooden works, from household items to famous architectural works. The carving art of Kim Bong village is not only technical ingenuity but also represents the artistic spirit and tradition of the craft village.
The artisans at Kim Bong are not simply carpenters but also artists, bringing the art of wood carving to new heights. They use traditional techniques combined with creativity to create works imbued with Vietnamese culture and art.
The story of artist Huynh Ri
Mr. Huynh Ri, a longtime wood craftsman in Kim Bong carpentry village, has followed the profession since he was a child. He was involved in the restoration of many ancient buildings in Hoi An and Hue. He shared: “Carpentry is not just a profession, but a passion. I always remember to preserve and promote the traditional values of my ancestors, and at the same time be creative to bring something new to each person. work.”
Keepers of the soul of national culture
Craft village artisans are not only talented craftsmen but also preservers and transmitters of the nation’s traditional cultural values. They not only create beautiful products but also preserve the essence of their ancestors and pass them on to the next generation. In the modern context, when many traditional craft villages are gradually disappearing, these artisans are still diligent and steadfast in their craft, keeping the fire for precious cultural values.
The story of artisans in the village is a story of passion, love for their craft and perseverance to overcome difficulties. They are silent people, but make an important contribution to preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural heritage. The products they make are not only a testament to their talent and dedication but also a connection between the past, present and future.
