Lifestyle

The Master of Ha Thai Lacquer Art

The skilled female artisans of Ha Thai Lacquer Craft Village, on the outskirts of Hanoi, are a beacon of innovation and dedication. With unwavering commitment, they strive to not only preserve but also enrich the time-honored traditions of their craft, leaving an indelible mark on the village's rich cultural heritage.

Administrator

9 December, 2024

Master artisan Nguyen Thi Hoi of Duyen Thai Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi, is a testament to the enduring beauty of lacquer craft. With five decades of dedication, her exquisite works of art adorn ceramic and wooden vases, each stroke of her brush a tribute to this ancient tradition.

While machines have streamlined production, Hoi steadfastly adheres to manual techniques, her passion for lacquer unwavering through the years. This personal touch sets her apart and has established her as a renowned figure in the Ha Thai craft village.

Meritorious Artisan Nguyen Thi Hoi showcases the exquisite lacquerware of Ha Thai Lacquer Village at the Hanoi Lotus Festival 2024. The delicate charm of her creations, adorned with lotus motifs, captivates visitors. Photo: Moc Mien

Hoi’s journey began in a family steeped in lacquer tradition. Introduced to the craft at a young age, she honed her skills at a local cooperative from the tender age of 16. However, when the cooperative disbanded in 1991, she returned to the fields, her hands as adept at farming as they were at creating works of art.

Driven by an unwavering passion, Hoi pursued her dream, working seasonally in lacquer workshops. In 2003, she took a bold step, opening her own workshop—a risky move at the time. Together with her husband, she peddled their creations from Thuong Tin to the heart of Hanoi, determined to share their art with the world.

Hoi’s unique touch and innovative approach to production and promotion have built a distinguished personal brand. She now serves as the Director of the Ha Thai Lacquer Cooperative and the President of the Lacquer Craft Village Association in Duyen Thai Commune, a testament to her mastery and leadership.

International visitors captivated by the intricate beauty of Ha Thai Lacquer Village. Photo: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times

The veteran artist’s process involves 20 meticulous steps, each as crucial as the next. From selecting the wooden core to the final polish, her attention to detail is unparalleled. Her current creations bear 12-15 coats of paint, ensuring a lustrous and enduring finish.

What distinguishes Ha Thai lacquerware is the use of natural materials and designs steeped in traditional culture. The ferry pier, ancient banyan trees, bamboo leaves, and iconic landmarks like the One-Pillar Pagoda and Hanoi’s Old Quarter grace her works, along with lotus flowers and blossoming peach and apricot trees. The manual lacquer techniques employed leave a unique imprint on each piece.

Today, Ha Thai Lacquer Village thrives, with approximately 70% of households practicing this time-honored craft. Their creations encompass gifts, interior décor, and spiritual worship items, all reflecting the village’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This is evident in the large orders they fulfill, both domestically and abroad.

Embracing Tourism for the Village’s Growth

In 2020, Ha Thai Lacquer Village was officially recognized by the Hanoi People’s Committee as a destination for craft village tours. This endorsement brought much-needed investment in infrastructure, particularly in product display areas. Families and workshops were encouraged to install equipment and create spaces for visitors to experience the lacquerware production process firsthand.

Participation in the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program further enhanced the village’s reputation for quality and helped build a strong brand. In 2021 and 2022, Nguyen Thi Hoi’s family received a 4-star OCOP certificate for their exceptional creations, including mango-shaped and lotus-shaped ceramic lacquer vases and lacquer paintings of pine trees and cranes.

An exquisite artwork by artisans from the Ha Thai Lacquer Cooperative, showcasing their masterful use of natural materials and traditional motifs.

As Director of the Ha Thai Lacquer Cooperative, Hoi envisions transforming the village into a thriving tourist destination. She believes in the power of collaboration and aims to train local youth, ensuring the village’s future while embracing the opportunities that tourism brings.

Hoi’s workshop leads the way in adopting new techniques, ensuring the durability and aesthetic value of their creations. It has become a beloved destination for domestic and international tourists alike, drawn to the intricate beauty of lacquer art.

Despite the use of advanced technology in production, the touch of a skilled artisan remains indispensable. Hoi’s legacy is not just in her creations but also in her desire to pass on her love for the craft to the younger generation. She hopes that they will embrace their heritage and become stewards of their hometown’s traditional crafts, preserving the identity of local craft villages for generations to come.

Nguyen Thi Hoi’s dedication to her art has earned her numerous accolades, including the title of Meritorious Artisan in 2020, a commemorative plaque from the Ministry of Industry and Trade in 2021, and recognition as a Typical Good Person for her deeds in 2022. The Thuong Tin People’s Committee has also honored her for her contributions to the preservation and development of traditional handicrafts and craft villages.

Among Hanoi’s rich tapestry of artisans, Nguyen Thi Hoi stands out, honored by the Hanoi People’s Committee for her outstanding contribution to preserving and promoting the ancient traditions of her craft.