Craftsmen preserve age-old wood carving in Hanoi capital

The village has been developing its craft trade for thousands of years since Buddhism was first introduced into the nation, according to historical documents.

craftsmen preserve age-old wood carving in hanoi capital picture 2

It can be viewed as a ‘paradise’ in terms of worship items and fine-art handicrafts, all of which are skillfully and intricately painted in the village.

craftsmen preserve age-old wood carving in hanoi capital picture 3

Worship items make up 70% of the domestic market share, with the majority being sold in the northern delta, while its products are also exported to many countries worldwide.

craftsmen preserve age-old wood carving in hanoi capital picture 4

From rough roots, the craftsmen there show their extraordinary skills, making many large and small spiritual statues for local and overseas consumption.

craftsmen preserve age-old wood carving in hanoi capital picture 5

Along with Buddha statues and ancestral altars, the craftsmen produce other worship items, such as couplets carved onto a piece of wood which are solemnly hung in the main altar of many old-established families in order to educate young generations about their ancestors and traditions.

craftsmen preserve age-old wood carving in hanoi capital picture 6

Local craftsmen previously engaged in many spiritual landmark refurbishing projects in Hanoi to mark the capital’s 1,000th anniversary in 2010, including Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature – first university in Vietnam), Khue Van Cac (Constellation of Literature Pavilion), Ngoc Son temple, The Huc bridge, and One-Pillar pagoda.

craftsmen preserve age-old wood carving in hanoi capital picture 7

During the feudal period, the craft village had hundreds of workers awarded the title of ‘artisan’. However, the craft largely died out during the resistance war against the United States imperialists and the subsequent period, although it was restored in the early 1980s.