Van Phuc, a thousand-year-old craft village nestled in Hanoi’s Ha Dong District, is renowned for its rich heritage centered around the exquisite art of silk weaving. With over 160 households dedicated to this revered craft, Van Phuc has earned a place in the Vietnam Records Book Center as “the oldest silk village in operation” in the country.
**A Timeless Craft, A Passionate Community**
Step into the Van Phuc Silk Village, and you’ll find yourself in a world where the ancient art of silk weaving is still thriving. This village, located in Ha Dong District, Hanoi, is home to a passionate community that has dedicated themselves to preserving and perfecting this timeless craft.
Van Phuc silk is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and its deep cultural significance. Once a tribute to kings during the feudal dynasties, it gained international acclaim at the 1931 Marseille International Fair. The French hailed it as “the most exquisite product of Indochina,” and by 1958, Van Phuc silk had crossed borders, reaching Eastern European nations.
Today, the people of Van Phuc take immense pride in the fact that their silks are appreciated both domestically and internationally. Their iconic products have been featured in Vietnam’s “One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) program, ensuring the preservation of this ancient craft. In 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism recognized Van Phuc silk weaving as a national intangible cultural heritage, further cementing its importance.
Van Phuc silk has become more than just a product; it has transformed into a cultural symbol of beauty and a representation of the rich heritage of Ha Dong District and the spirit of Hanoi. This remarkable legacy is carefully woven into each silk thread by the village’s talented artisans.
**Preserving the Traditional Craft**
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The Vice President of the Van Phuc Silk Weaving Village Association, Tran Thi Ngoc Lan, proudly shares that the village is home to numerous award-winning artisans. Among them, 16 have been honored by the State and the Vietnam Craft Village Association for their exceptional skill and dedication to the craft.
Do Van Hien stands out as the sole designer of patterns for Van Phuc’s silk products. His talent lies in both restoring ancient patterns and creating innovative, modern designs that keep the craft relevant and appealing to contemporary tastes. Other artisans, such as Nguyen Van Nam and Nguyen Anh Son, have mastered the art of non-fading silk dyeing techniques, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of Van Phuc silk.
While modern tools and techniques have been incorporated to enhance efficiency, the Van Phuc silk weaving process remains faithful to its traditional roots. Raw silk is carefully wound into bobbins and then undergoes a meticulous process of drawing, joining, and weaving. The intricate bleaching and dyeing processes that follow require precision and a deep understanding of the craft, passed down through generations.
**A Diverse Range of Silk Creations**
Van Phuc boasts an impressive variety of silk and brocade creations, each with its own unique name and distinct characteristics. Among the 70 types of silk produced here, you’ll find Bang Hoa, adorned with thousands of intricate flower patterns, Long Phuong (dragon and phoenix), Lua May, known for its pure white silk, and Tu Que, which features four distinct patterns or colors.
Of particular note is the Lua May silk, prized for its smooth, shiny texture and enchanting hidden floral patterns that reveal themselves in the light. The products from Trieu Van Mao’s production facility, including plain, Lua May, and satin silks, have been recognized as Hanoi’s five-star OCOP products since 2019, further emphasizing the quality and craftsmanship of Van Phuc silk.
Artisan Nguyen Thi Hang proudly shares, “Every resident of Van Phuc feels an immense honor in producing such beautiful silk. Maintaining the traditions of our silk-weaving village is a matter of pride and creativity as we continue to develop this rare craft.”
Fellow artisan, Trinh Thi Cuc, echoes these sentiments, highlighting the collaboration between skilled artisans to create refined silk pieces that meet the high standards of tailors and modern consumers. “We strive to create eye-catching motifs that resonate with today’s market,” she explains.
**A Legacy to Uphold**
In 2023, Van Phuc received the prestigious Certificate of National Intangible Heritage, solidifying its place in Vietnam’s cultural heritage. This recognition, along with the decision by the Chairman of the Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee to honor the village’s 11 royal decrees, serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving this invaluable craft for future generations.
Pham Khac Ha, Chairman of the Van Phuc Association of Craft Villages, expresses the responsibility that comes with this honor: “It is up to us, both the artisans and the Van Phuc Silk Weaving Village Association, to ensure the preservation of our craft and culture. We encourage innovation and creativity to expand our product range while staying true to our traditional roots.”
To foster innovation, the association has organized design competitions, providing a platform for artisans to showcase their creativity and develop new products that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Recently, Van Phuc hosted a Culture and Tourism Week to promote its rich ancient trade. The event included a procession honoring the founder of the craft, a trade and tourism fair, folk performances, film screenings, and a ceremony recognizing Van Phuc as one of Hanoi’s creative design centers.
The story of Van Phuc is a testament to tradition, pride, and dedication. It is a legacy that continues to shine brightly, not only in Vietnam but also on the international stage, as its silk weaves its way into the hearts and homes of people worldwide.
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