“Hail to the artisan who crafted the lantern with such skill, creating lifelike paper horses and elephants that dance within its frame.”
Master Craftsman Nguyen Van Quyen, from Cao Vien Commune in Hanoi’s Thanh Oai District, sang an ancient tune as he meticulously crafted the den keo quan – a spinning lantern with vibrant, intricate paper cutouts. This traditional folk toy has captivated Vietnamese children for countless generations.
|  The legendary artisan, Nguyen Van Quyen, has been crafting den keo quan for nearly seven decades. Image captured by Lai Tan for The Hanoi Times |
Even at 85, Craftsman Quyen’s hands move with agility and precision, expertly cutting and gluing paper figures. He shared the lantern’s origin story, dating back to a young boy named Luc Thuc, who, after losing his father, dedicated his life to caring for his mother.
Luc Thuc, filled with compassion for his lonely mother, crafted a unique lantern with paper animals attached. When lit from within and spun, the paper creatures appeared to dance and run, bringing immense joy to his mother and attracting neighborhood children to his home.
Moved by Luc Thuc’s profound filial piety, the king decreed that lanterns be created on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month to honor his example. And so, a tradition was born.
| Intricate paper figures inside the spinning lantern. Image captured by Hoai Nam for The Hanoi Times |
Artisan Quyen explained the intricate process of creating these lanterns: selecting the right bamboo, carefully cutting and shaping it, constructing a sturdy frame, adding a vertical pole and pinwheel, and then bringing it all together with a central circle. Paper animals are placed inside, and a candle underneath provides the magic—heating the air to spin the pinwheel and bring the paper figures to life.
According to Quyen, “These lanterns are more than just toys. They instill a sense of patriotism, filial piety, and national pride.” The soldiers, horses, and chariots within the lanterns echo Vietnam’s rich history of repelling foreign invaders. Over time, new paper figures were added, including characters from fairy tales and folk paintings, encouraging creativity and a personal connection.
“I am honored to be invited to museums and schools to introduce this ancient craft and teach children how to make their own lanterns,” Quyen shared. “It brings me great joy to see their interest in this traditional art form.”
|  Master Craftsman Nguyen Van Quyen passes on his knowledge to the younger generation, ensuring the tradition continues. Image captured by Lai Tan for The Hanoi Times |
For over 70 years, Quyen has dedicated himself to this craft, creating lanterns for his children, grandchildren, and anyone who appreciates their beauty. In the past, many families in Cao Vien Commune made these lanterns, but today, Quyen is the sole guardian of this tradition in his village.
“I continue this craft out of pure passion,” Quyen shared. “My family knows the skill, but the tedious nature and low financial reward have deterred them from carrying on the trade.” His greatest hope is that young people will embrace this traditional folk art, preserving the cultural legacy for future generations.
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