Casting the Soul into Vietnamese Bamboo

An interview with Mr Nguyen Trong Le, Managing Director of Trong Le Company, the long-time bamboo fabric handicraft manufacturer based in Northern Vietnam, on how international cultural exchange can enhance trade relations between the two countries.

Handicrafts, combining art, craft and the utilization of distinct local raw materials, in effect reflect the national heritage. Thus, we can see handicrafts as an “ambassador” in bringing a country’s traditional culture to the world. That is the work I’m doing with much joy, bearing in mind that the culture of Vietnam is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia. My family has been involved in manufacturing bamboo handicrafts for generations. It is my duty to continue to expand that and to hand down the passion and production techniques to the next generation. 

 

There are approximately 1,000 species of bamboo found in diverse climates, from cold mountains to hot tropical regions. Each type of bamboo is suitable for different uses. In my case, to create bamboo fabric, which is in turn manufactured into products for daily life such as fans, curtains, blinds, pillow covers, table cloths or handbags, I use a special species of bamboo, called “Giung” in Vietnamese. “Giung”, a member of the bamboo family, grows abundantly in Northern Vietnam. By exposing the bamboo fibre extracted from “Giung” to natural sunlight, it is transformed into a durable, elastic material which is resistant to worms and mould. In addition, because there’s no need for chemical treatment, the bamboo fabric is safe and environmental friendly.   regions. Each type of bamboo is suitable for different uses. In my case, to create bamboo fabric, which is in turn manufactured into products for daily life such as fans, curtains, blinds, pillow covers, table cloths or handbags, I use a special species of bamboo, called “Giung” in Vietnamese. “Giung”, a member of the bamboo family, grows abundantly in Northern Vietnam. By exposing the bamboo fibre extracted from “Giung” to natural sunlight, it is transformed into a durable, elastic material which is resistant to worms and mould. In addition, because there’s no need for chemical treatment, the bamboo fabric is safe and environmental friendly.  

 

Besides, bamboo fabric handicrafts are also unique because the production technique combines traditional hand weaving and craftwork. But most importantly, bamboo symbolizes different social values. In China, bamboo symbolizes longevity. While in India, it is a symbol of friendship. In Vietnam, it is a symbol of immortality. A Vietnamese proverb states, "When the bamboo is old, the bamboo sprouts appear". It means a new generation will succeed the old generation, maintaining continuity between generations. The vignette carved in the bamboo fabric handicrafts also gives a deeper and unique meaning to each piece of artwork.

 

In order to create a bamboo fabric handicraft with a vignette on it, we need craftsman with talent, creativity and a deep knowledge of Vietnam’s rich heritage. A vignette, when chosen with care, is the soul of the artwork. Let me give you an example. Through the ages, many cultures have featured fish in their legends and myths. You can also see that in one of our bamboo fabric products, with parallel sentences featuring a Vietnamese legend about carp transforming into a dragon.

 

The United States, as its name implies, is a nation inheriting cultural diversity and pluralism. The nation harbours a large number of integrated but unique subcultures. Is there any better place to introduce Vietnam’s rich heritage than the US? One favourite destination in Vietnam for tourists from the US is souvenir shops. They also like to visit ancient craft villages like our own village, Trung Kinh Ha, which is located in Northern Vietnam. If tourists like our bamboo handicrafts in general, why shouldn’t I bring my unique bamboo fabric products to their homelands? The US already imports handicrafts made in Vietnam. I think the trend will continue to steadily increase, especially when the trade bridge between the two countries has been fully opened.

 

If you are talking about export on a large scale for a specific design, I think it is still too early to predict accurately due to the diversity of designs and types of bamboo handicrafts. Due to the historical, cultural and artistic meanings in each piece of my artwork, I believe my products will soon be a preferred choice in both Vietnamese and US markets.