[5 minutes] Learn about all the handicrafts in Vietnam

Handicrafts in Vietnam are famous for their beauty, quality and tradition. It’s a great way to bring a piece of Vietnam home and support local artisans. Here are some of Vietnam’s most popular crafts, Let’s find out now!

Silk – handicrafts in Vietnam

Silk is one of the most famous crafts in Vietnam. With a production history dating back to the 2nd century AD, Vietnamese silk is famous for its softness, durability and beautiful patterns. It’s a great way to bring a piece of Vietnamese culture home and support local artisans.

Silk production process: Sericulture, the process of raising silkworms and harvesting silk is a meticulous and time-consuming tradition in Vietnam. Mulberry leaves are grown to feed silkworms, then the cocoons are carefully collected and boiled to extract the silk threads. These fibers are then spun into yarn and woven into beautiful fabrics.

Classification of Vietnamese silk:

• Corn silk: Made from wild silkworm cocoons that eat castor leaves instead of mulberry leaves. It has a rougher texture and a golden brown color.
• Lotus silk: A rare and luxurious silk made from lotus stem fibers. It is known for its soft, light feel and shimmering quality.
• White silk (white silk): The most popular type of silk in Vietnam. It is known for its purity, softness and flexibility.

Vietnamese silk is used to create a variety of beautiful products, including: Ao Dai, Scarves and scarves, Paintings and other works of art,…

Silk villages: Some craft villages in Vietnam are famous for silk production, such as Van Phuc in Hanoi, Nha Xa in Ha Nam and Co Chat in the suburbs of Hanoi.
Markets: Many markets in Vietnam sell silk products, such as Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan market in Hanoi.
Shops: There are also many shops specializing in silk products, especially in tourist areas.

Embroidery paintings in Vietnam

Embroidery paintings in Vietnam are a captivating art form that blends traditional textile artistry with stunning visuals. Embroidery has been a cornerstone of Vietnamese handicrafts for centuries, passed down through generations. It’s deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and often reflects traditional values and stories. Creating these paintings involves meticulous work. Skilled artisans use needles and threads to create intricate designs and vivid colors on various fabrics, primarily silk.

Embroidery paintings depict a wide range of subjects, including:

• Scenes from Vietnamese folklore and mythology: Dragons, phoenixes, and legendary creatures come alive in vibrant threads.
• Breathtaking landscapes, such as rice paddies and mountains, are meticulously recreated with threads.
• Realistic portraits, depicting everyday people or historical figures, showcase the incredible detail achievable with embroidery.
• These are popular choices, showcasing the beauty of the natural world.

Lacquer craftsmanship

Lacquerware is a traditional Vietnamese handicraft product made from lacquer tree resin. Lacquer is applied to a substrate, such as wood or bamboo, which is then decorated with intricate patterns. Lacquer products include bowls, plates, cups and jewelry boxes.

Lacquer possesses several unique qualities that make it ideal for crafting:

• Durability: When properly cured, lacquer forms a hard, water-resistant, and long-lasting finish.
• Adhesive properties: Lacquer adheres strongly to various surfaces, making it versatile for application on wood, metal, and even ceramics.
• Luminous quality: Lacquer can be polished to a high gloss, creating a beautiful and deep shine.

Lacquer is applied in numerous thin layers, each allowed to dry thoroughly before the next is applied. This layering process can take days or even weeks depending on the desired thickness and complexity.

Natural lacquer has a golden hue, but pigments are often added to create vibrant colors. Artisans use various techniques like brushing, sprinkling, and carving to create intricate designs and patterns on the lacquer layers. Popular decorative techniques include:

• Eggshell lacquer: Tiny eggshells are crushed and incorporated into the lacquer, creating a shimmering effect.
• Mother-of-pearl inlay: Lacquered objects are embellished with pieces of real or imitation mother-of-pearl, adding a luxurious touch.
• Carving: After multiple layers of lacquer harden, intricate designs can be carved into the surface, revealing the contrasting color beneath.
• The Finishing Touch: Once the final layer of lacquer is applied and dried, it’s painstakingly polished to a high gloss, revealing the lacquer’s true beauty and depth.

Non La

Non La, also known as Non La, is the symbol of Vietnam. These hats are made from palm leaves or straw, and are both stylish and practical. They provide protection from sun and rain.

Make water puppet statues

Water puppetry is a unique Vietnamese art form originating from the Red River Delta. The puppets are made of wood and controlled by puppeteers standing in waist-deep water. Water puppet shows often depict scenes from Vietnamese mythology or folklore.

Materials for making water puppet statues include:

• Wood: Lightweight wood like balsa wood or basswood is ideal for carving due to its softness and ease of working with.
• Clay (optional): This can be used for sculpting details or intricate features before transferring them to the wood.
• Carving tools: A basic carving set with knives, gouges, and rasps will suffice. Sandpaper will be needed for smoothing.
• Waterproof paint (acrylic or enamel): Choose bright and vibrant colors to match the traditional style of water puppets.
• Paint brushes: A variety of sizes for detailed and base painting.
• Clear sealant (optional): This adds a protective layer and enhances the shine.
• Dowel rod or stand (optional): If you want your statue to stand upright on its own.

Ceramics Vietnam

Vietnamese ceramics is a beautiful and ancient art form, with a history of thousands of years. They are known for their beautiful glazes, intricate designs, and high firing temperatures.

Bat Trang village located on the outskirts of Hanoi is considered the center of Vietnamese ceramics. For centuries, this village has been home to skilled artisans who have passed down knowledge and techniques from generation to generation. Today, Bat Trang is a popular tourist destination with many workshops where visitors can watch ceramic products being made and even try their hand at the potter’s wheel throwing game.

Bamboo and rattan products

Bamboo and rattan products are a versatile material used to make a variety of handicrafts in Vietnam, including baskets, mats and furniture.

• Baskets and mats: These are some of the most common bamboo and rattan products. They are strong, durable, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storage, shopping, and picnics.
• Bamboo and rattan furniture is becoming increasingly popular due to its natural beauty, sustainability, and affordability. It is perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
• A variety of household items can be made from bamboo and rattan, such as bowls, plates, cups, and trays.
• Hats and bags: These are popular souvenirs for tourists visiting Vietnam. They are lightweight, stylish, and perfect for the hot Vietnamese climate.
• Musical instruments: Some traditional Vietnamese musical instruments, such as the T’rung and the Khaen, are made from bamboo.

Above are some suggestions about the many outstanding handicrafts in Vietnam. With skillful hands, Vietnamese people increasingly bring quality handicraft products to tourists. Those products are rich in culture that Vietnamese people want to preserve and transmit.