Phu Vinh Craft Village: A Harmony of Tradition and Modernity

Phu Vinh craft village in Hanoi, has preserved its traditional beauty for over 400 years. In recent years, its handicraft products have been exported to countries such as France, Germany, England, Japan, China, and Korea, reaching over 30 countries worldwide.

Each local rattan and bamboo product is handcrafted by skilled artisans

Each traditional craft village in Hanoi has unique characteristics that define its brand, such as Van Phuc silk village, known for its soft silk, and Bat Trang pottery village, celebrated for its exquisite ceramics. Phu Vinh stands out with its distinctive rattan and bamboo products compared to other craft villages in the country.

Preserving traditional crafts

Phu Vinh village, formerly Co Dau village, is located in a low-lying area prone to flooding that devastates crops. During tough times, Mr. Nguyen Van Soi began weaving baskets and fishing tools from bamboo and rattan to make a living. His craftsmanship attracted buyers from neighboring areas, leading others in the village to learn from him. Eventually, Soi was recognized as the founder of Phu Vinh rattan and bamboo weaving village.

Over time and historical changes, the village has maintained its traditional craft with many artisans who love the craft and want to preserve and develop the rattan and bamboo weaving craft.

Each Phu Vinh rattan and bamboo product is handcrafted by skilled artisans who infuse their love for the craft into every piece, reflecting individual artistry, local heritage, and contemporary influences. Rooted in traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations, these creations - such as vases, coasters, trays, and chairs - feature beautiful patterns that meet the needs of the community. This creative labor has supported countless families and generations of villagers, ensuring their livelihoods.

Artisan Nguyen Van Tinh said that “In the past, my father was one of the first 9 artisans to be awarded by the State and have a chance to meet Uncle Ho. The stories, products, and works that he weaved are the pride that urged me to try and learn the profession from my ancestors”.

The products from Phu Vinh craft village are 100% handwoven and the raw material is rattan and bamboo, which is very environmentally friendly. Those factors have contributed to convincing international customers to buy products in Phu Vinh rattan and bamboo weaving village, Tinh shared.

Aiming for specialized product lines

Phu Vinh rattan and bamboo products feature attractive designs and high functionality, catering to diverse customer tastes. Local production facilities continually enhance their skills by exchanging knowledge with domestic and international artisans through seminars. This fosters creativity and modernity in their products, addressing any weaknesses and allowing the traditional craft to thrive in demanding markets. These advancements have also created jobs and provided stable incomes for many workers in the region.

In recent years, driven by market demand, Phu Vinh craft village enterprises have focused on producing specialized product lines. Their products now reach demanding markets like Japan, the US, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain. Rattan and bamboo weaving has become a key export commodity, with an expanding market and increasing turnover, making it one of our country’s important exports today.

Artisan Nguyen Van Trung, Chairman of the Bamboo and Rattan Association, noted that while the village's products are handicrafts, many craft households have adopted technology at many stages. This approach reduces costs, lowers prices, and enhances competitiveness, making Phu Vinh products well-received in the international market.

The vocational training center founded by artisan Nguyen Van Trung has offered free training to thousands of workers in Hanoi and other areas, including many individuals with disabilities. Each year, he actively participates in training and vocational courses across many provinces, viewing this as a way to promote and introduce the craft to a broader audience nationwide.

Preserving and developing craft villages is a challenging task for localities, including Phu Vinh. It requires a balance between economic growth and the preservation of cultural heritage and unique identities, demanding commitment from both the government and the community. Despite ongoing difficulties, the artisans of this "land of clouds" remain dedicated to preserving traditional crafts, ensuring that the culture of the craft village continues to thrive for generations to come..

By Ngoc Dan, Vietnam Business Forum

The page in collaboration with Hanoi Rural Development Department