Attractions

The Artisans’ Rush: Capturing the Buzzing Energy of Thuong Mao Carpentry Village’s High Season

The Thuong Mao Carpentry Village, nestled on the outskirts of Hanoi, boasts a rich history that dates back to the Nguyen dynasty in the 19th century. Over the years, it has experienced steady growth and transformation, establishing itself as a prominent supplier of wood products across Vietnam. With a heritage rooted in traditional craftsmanship, the village has become synonymous with exceptional skill and expertise in carpentry, solidifying its position as a key player in the nation's wood industry.

Administrator

15 December, 2024

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**A Village Rich in Traditional Carpentry**

About 20 kilometers from downtown Hanoi lies Thuong Mao Village in Phu Luong Commune, Ha Dong District. This village is renowned for its traditional carpentry, with a history dating back nearly 200 years to the Nguyen dynasty. As the Vietnamese Lunar New Year approaches, the village buzzes with the sounds of wood chopping and carving as craftsmen dive into the year-end production season, creating intricate woodwork that showcases their talent and artistry.

Photo: Thong Tin Phu Luong

Old, experienced carpenters are the backbone of Thuong Mao Carpentry Village, passing down their knowledge and skills to the next generation.

Craftsman Nguyen Quang Do, a veteran with decades of experience, shared the village’s rich history with *The Hanoi Times*. In the early days, rice farming was the primary source of livelihood for the locals. However, frequent famines and crop failures pushed the community to seek alternative means. With a deep sense of community, the elders brought in skilled teachers to introduce carpentry, which became a game-changer, offering new opportunities and helping the village prosper.

Over the centuries, the carpenters of Thuong Mao have perfected the art of wood carving and measurement. Starting with handmade products like beds and cabinets, they have expanded their skills to building communal houses, temples, shrines, and churches. Their work can be seen across Hanoi, including the Khuong Thuong temple in Dong Da District and their own Thuong Mao communal house, as well as in Yen Bai Province with the Van Phu temple. Their wooden architectural masterpieces stand the test of time, remaining unscathed through the years.

A masterpiece created by the talented carpenters of Thuong Mao.

According to craftsman Nguyen Van Do, the village’s products are mostly made-to-order, with customers placing their trust in the hands of these skilled artisans. “We always strive to meet our customers’ requirements,” he said, “and it is an honor to be commended by the state, encouraging us to uphold our values.” The experienced carpenters take pride in passing down their traditional quintessence to the younger generation, who, in turn, infuse new technologies to create affordable and useful products.

**Preserving and Evolving an Ancestral Trade**

Carpentry is a meticulous and demanding craft, requiring talent, skill, and dedication. Each carpentry product undergoes six main stages: drawing, wood preparation, sawing, mixing raw parts, preliminary processing, and finishing. The carpenters of Thuong Mao are adept at navigating these stages, ensuring the highest quality.

While the village once relied solely on handcrafting, today’s young artisans have embraced technology. They utilize computers for designing products and patterns, and machines for chiseling and carving, streamlining the process and saving time. Despite this evolution, the products maintain their exquisite nature, with sophisticated patterns that set them apart from mass-produced items.

The reputation of Thuong Mao’s carpenters continues to grow, gaining recognition far and wide.

To stay relevant in the modern market while preserving their traditional heritage, the Association of Craft Villages provides ongoing support to artisans and craftsmen. They offer industry promotion programs and facilitate exchanges with other craft villages, ensuring that the village’s products remain in demand.

Nguyen Quang Thoai, Chairman of Thuong Mao’s Association of Craft Village, shared their commitment to guiding the next generation. “We are actively holding vocational training courses to improve their skills and ignite their passion for the traditional work of their ancestors,” he said.

Thuong Mao Carpentry Village spans over 105,000 square meters of natural land and is home to more than 350 households and about 2000 carpenters. The craftsmen here prioritize quality and reliability, solidifying their brand. In 2009, the village was recognized as a Traditional Craft Village at the municipal level, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Today, the village offers a diverse range of handcrafted wood products, from intricate fine art carvings and religious objects to elegant furniture with ancient and neoclassical designs. Each piece, crafted from fine woods and meticulously chiseled, showcases exceptional technical skill and artistic flair. With the trust and admiration of its customers, Thuong Mao Carpentry continues to thrive, leaving its mark on Vietnam’s cultural landscape.