Four traditional handicrafts were presented at four cultural centres in Hanoi ’s Old Quarter on the evening of August 5, to promote the tradition, manners and customs, and culture of the ancient Hanoian to visitors.

The chain of cultural events was sponsored by the Old Quarter Management Board to commemorate the August Revolution and National Day (September 2).

The silk industry was presented at the Dong Lac Communal House (38 Hang Dao) along with silk garments of Hanoi people. Twenty garments from the period 1945 – 1954 were displayed to help visitors to understand the lifestyle of previous generations. Among these were the traditional ao dai, office clothing, silk garment of men and ladies from prestigious families, clothing of soldiers and of poor people in Hanoi . The show also demonstrated the practice of the silk industry and presented other woven materials.

The Kim Ngan Communal House (42 – 44 Hang Bac) hosted the presentation of the copper industry of the Quynh Boi craft village in the northern province of Bac Ninh, an industry closely associated with the development of Hanoi .

Various types of product were on display, from decorative products such as copper drums, bells, and statues to daily products such as copper pictures, flower pots and basins.

The presentation of lacquer arts took place at the House of Heritage at (87 Ma May Street). Lacquer products were made in both traditional and comtemporary methods and were displayed so that visitors could understand the practicality of the products in the daily lives of Vietnamese people throughout their history.

The Old Quarter Information Centre (28 Hang Buom) presented the collection of Vietnamese ceramic products from traditional craft villages around Hanoi . The collection consisted of ancient and modern ceramic products made by craftsmen from various craft villages.

Artisan Tran Van Vinh, Vice-Chairman of the Hanoi Artisan Club, said Hanoi ’s carft villages were still active today, which contributed to the preservation of the culture of the capital city.

“Nonetheless, through the course of time, these craft villages have yet to attract much attention and artisans and skillful craftsmen have not been able to work at their fullest ability,” he said.

“We are happy to know that the city is currently running the project to preserve and develop the traditional handicrafts. The craft villages now also have a stable standing in Hanoi culture and these cultural events have made a good effort to promote the cultural value of Hanoi and at the same time advertise the image of its Old Quarter.”/.