The artisans of Hanoi’s folk villages are not just guardians of traditional crafts but also ambassadors of Vietnamese cultural heritage, passing on their skills to the younger generation and spreading their village products far and wide.
**The Vibrant Embroidery Trade of Dong Cuu Village**
The village of Dong Cuu, nestled on the outskirts of Hanoi, has been renowned for its exquisite embroidery for centuries. Among its talented embroiderers is Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa, a resident of Co Chat Hamlet in Thuong Tin District, Hanoi. From a young age, Hoa has been taught by her family the intricate art of embroidery, and her passion for this traditional craft has only grown over time.
Hoa’s hamlet is recognized as the birthplace of embroidery in Hanoi, with a history spanning almost 400 years. Since then, the craft has evolved and spread throughout Vietnam. Today, embroidered products are an integral part of daily life, adding a touch of romantic charm to the country’s culture.
Hoa’s skilled hands bring to life vibrant artwork that captures the essence of Vietnam. With a deft touch, she translates chalk designs on fabric into beautiful embroidery, creating stunning ao dai—Vietnam’s traditional long tunic.
But Hoa is more than just a master embroiderer; she is also a savvy businesswoman. Embracing technology, she has invested in embroidery machines and established large workshops, creating job opportunities and increasing income for many workers in her community. Her family’s workshop typically employs four full-time workers, with others working from home.
“My family has been teaching me how to embroider since I was seven or eight years old,” Hoa proudly shares. “This intergenerational knowledge transfer has contributed to the development of embroidery in our community. Today, our products are sold nationwide, helping to preserve and promote the quintessence of our craft village.”
Hoa’s family workshop offers a diverse range of embroidered clothing, including both modern and traditional ao dai, ensuring that customers have a plethora of options to choose from. Their exceptional craftsmanship is recognized, with three of their creations being awarded four-star OCOP certificates by the Hanoi People’s Committee.
**The Art of Horn Combs in Thuy Ung Village**
In the heart of Thuy Ung Village, located in Hoa Binh Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi, lies a centuries-old tradition of horn comb craftsmanship. This unique craft has earned its place in Vietnamese folk songs, and one of its dedicated preservers is artisan Nguyen Van Su.
Su’s journey began as a street vendor, traveling across Vietnam to sell horn combs. Back then, Thuy Ung’s horn products were limited to simple hair combs. However, times have changed, and today, their combs boast elaborate and aesthetic patterns.
According to Su, Vietnam’s craft village products, including those from Thuy Ung, have gained popularity among foreigners in this era of international integration. Recognizing this demand, Su returned to his village and expanded production to cater to diverse customer tastes. In addition to hair combs, they now create a variety of other horn products.
“My family supplies horn products to commercial centers and tourist attractions in Hanoi and beyond,” Su told The Hanoi Times. “To meet the demand, we import raw horns from Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and African countries, including antelope horns, as domestic sources are insufficient.”
The raw horns, costing just a few dollars per kilo, are transformed into valuable works of art by the talented craftsmen of Thuy Ung. Their craftsmanship adds immense value, and these horn handicrafts are especially cherished in countries like South Korea, Japan, Thailand, the UK, and the US due to their handmade nature.
Determined to share Thuy Ung’s unique products with the world, craftsman Nguyen Van Su aspires to create his own brand and expand into new markets. This ambition led him to join the “One Commune, One Product” program, and his family’s creations have since been certified by the Hanoi People’s Committee as meeting the four-star OCOP standard.
Among their standout pieces are a horn vase adorned with a Vietnamese ethnic girl motif, a horn fashion jewelry set, a European-style horn comb, and creatively shaped horn combs. Thanks to their creativity and dedication, more people are discovering the extraordinary craftsmanship of Thuy Ung Handicraft Village and the Nguyen Van Su family.
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