1:32:21 PM | 10/25/2024
"The La, Linh Buoi, Mo Phung buds, Van Phuc silk, Mo Bon region silk" is a folk song praising the traditional textile villages of Hanoi, in which Van Phuc is the most famous silk village in Vietnam, considered a cultural symbol and pride of the silk homeland of Ha Dong.
World Craft Council surveys and evaluates to consider recognizing Van Phuc craft village
The traditional silk-weaving village of Van Phuc Ha Dong has been recognized as the record "The oldest silk-weaving village still operating today" by the Vietnam Record Book Center.
Van Phuc silk has many types such as Brocade, silk, silk, the, linh, bang, cinnamon, duan, sa, ky, cau, and dui... No matter what type, it reaches the level of perfection, the fabric is smooth, shiny, soft with iridescent colors, and delicate lines, sometimes prominent, sometimes hidden, some are elegant, and some are brilliant. Wearing it feels soft, light, and luxurious, that's why, in the past, Van Phuc silk was often used to make clothes and costumes for kings and mandarins. In 1931, Van Phuc silk was first promoted to the international market at the Marseille fair and was evaluated by the French as one of the most sophisticated and beautiful silk lines of Indochina. From 1958 to now, Van Phuc silk has been exported to many countries around the world, creating a reputation as a traditional craft village of Vietnam. Each piece of silk is created from a sophisticated weaving process, crystallizing traditional cultural values and modern beauty. From graceful ao dai to luxurious scarves, Van Phuc silk products are constantly innovated, combining classic motifs with modern styles to serve the diverse needs of domestic and international customers.
According to the Chairman of the Van Phuc Silk Weaving Village Association, Pham Khac Ha, over 1,200 years of formation and development, the silk weaving profession in Van Phuc has changed a lot. The traditional looms have now been replaced by modern weaving machines. Currently, Van Phuc silk village has more than 130 weaving machines with 400 households participating in silk production, in addition, 244 households are producing in the industrial cluster of the craft village with about 70 different types of silk, brocade, and linen. Among the traditional silk types, the most famous is the patterned silk with smooth, shiny embossed flowers on the surface of the silk, the hidden flowers are only visible when exposed to light. Patterned silk is made entirely from natural silk, not too shiny but harmonious and elegant; the natural silk shine is extremely eye-catching when exposed to sunlight, warm in winter, and cool in summer. To weave this type of silk, the craftsman must weave with two types of string and hammock weaving, which are very difficult. The weavers of the silk pattern must reach a high level of sophistication, so not every household in the village can weave ancient silk patterns.
World Crafts Council meets artisans of Van Phuc silk village
There are many traditional silk-weaving villages across the country, but it seems that only Van Phuc village can weave silk patterns. Up to now, all Van Phuc silk products are still made in the old traditional style. If there is any change, it is only to improve the equipment so that the products are more and more beautiful and suitable for the general development of society. This is also the characteristic of the village.
Along with preserving and developing the traditional silk weaving profession, in recent years Van Phuc Silk Village has gradually innovated, becoming an attractive cultural tourist destination. Maintaining the production of traditional silk products combined with modernity, associated with the development of cultural tourism is the main direction of Van Phuc Silk Village. Van Phuc Ward has built Silk Streets combined with supporting industries to serve tourists such as: Food Street, Ornamental Plant Street, Antique Cultural Exchange Center, developing accommodation and shopping types. Along with creating an attractive tourist landscape, and bringing a green, airy, environmentally friendly space, households opening shops on Silk Street must register their stalls with the City Department of Tourism in terms of price and origin of the products, ensuring the quality of goods for users.
Recently, the International Jury, the World Craft Council visited and evaluated Van Phuc Craft Village (Ha Dong district - Hanoi) to consider recognizing it as a member of the Global Creative Craft Cities Network. During this process, the Council contacted production facilities, met artisans, and surveyed cultural, historical, and economic values as well as the ability to integrate internationally. They highly appreciated the unique values of the craft village, especially its cultural depth and history of continuous development over the centuries.
The International Jury and the World Craft Council recognized the unique values of Van Phuc silk-weaving village, especially its cultural depth and history of development spanning thousands of years. They praised the village's hand-woven segment, especially in the field of weaving patterns. However, to move further in the global Creative Craft Cities network, the village needs to build a craft museum, which will preserve many valuable documents related to the history of formation and development and honor outstanding artisans.
The Council also believes that artisans in the village have skillfully applied technology to the manual modeling process. The creations of artisan Do Van Hien are a typical example, and he also deserves to be recognized by the city of Hanoi for his contributions to Van Phuc silk weaving, especially the invention of the digital brocade card that has brought significant benefits to all artisans. Van Phuc needs to be supported with specialized educational programs to impart traditional hand-weaving skills to the younger generation. In particular, 70 types of weaving should be recorded in a publication, and artisans trained in each type. These efforts can ensure the sustainability of weaving practices while attracting new talent to the field.
To develop its potential, the village should expand international exchanges and cooperation as well as build a complete craft village ecosystem. It is necessary to establish stronger policies to support artisans and organize international festivals within the framework of the Van Phuc Craft Village Festival. The World Craft Council is willing to support the locality in connecting with members of the Global Creative Craft Cities Network, promoting Van Phuc silk through Western fashion shows with collaborative collections with famous designers. This will help attract tourists and turn these cities into more attractive destinations. Being able to become a member of the Global Creative Craft Cities Network is a great opportunity for Van Phuc Silk Village to connect potential, increase value and sustainably develop traditional and artistic values, create products that reach international levels, and spread the quintessence and identity of the Vietnamese soul.
Source: Vietnam Business Forum
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