Tuong Binh Hiep village in the southern province of Binh Duong hasbecome well-known for its lacquer items, markedly different from craftproducts made by other localities in the country.
In the first half of the 18th century, traditional lacquer craftsmenfrom the northern and central regions migrated to the provincial capitalof Thu Dau Mot in search of work.
Initially, they made lacqueritems to prevent themselves from missing their homeland and to providefor their new locality, which is home to many places of worship.
Then, lacquer paintings made in the area became popular among localpeople and a lacquer village was formed and has developed into what itis today.
Born in the central region, Tran Van Khiem, 80,has engaged in the lacquer production for nearly 70 years and seen manyups and downs in the village.
“The lacquer craftthrived the most during 1978-1979. At that time, we lived a well offlife doing this job,” said Khiem. “I like this work so I pursued it. Mychildren now also do this job.”
According to Khiem, Tuong BinhHiep lacquer items are distinguished by their gloss paint, which isdurable and becomes shinier over time. The village’s products are alsodiverse in design.
Currently, Tuong Binh Hiep village craftsmenare following two directions of development: using special paints toproduce traditional products and industrial paints to make modern ones.
Le Ba Linh, owner of the Tu Bon Lacquer Product Workshop, said TuongBinh Hiep’s product range includes souvenirs, consumer products anddecorations.
“These products are made in old or newstyle according to orders. It is important for us to earn a living andkeep the quality of products at the same time,” Linh said.
Materialsused for making different products are varied. Wood is used forproducing furniture, plywood for paintings and boxes, ceramic for vasesand statues, and cloth or paper for dishes and flower vases.
Other materials to make lacquer products also include egg shells and lamé.
Tocreate a traditional lacquer work, between 20 and 25 stages arerequired, with painting taking from 3-6 months to ensure qualityrequirements.
Khiem said in order to produce a lacquerproduct, it is necessary to choose a wooden plank which is not warpedand damaged by termites. That plank needs to undergo a process to ensurethat it will not become elastic in the future. This stage of work isimportant.
Because each stage of work requires meticulousattention to every little detail, so craftsmen must be hard-working,dedicated and highly aesthetic.
Over the past years,products in Tuong Binh Hiep have faced fierce competition from otherlocalities. However, skillful and careful local craftsmen have helpedpreserve the traditional occupation and made it thrive in the southernregion.-VNA
In the first half of the 18th century, traditional lacquer craftsmenfrom the northern and central regions migrated to the provincial capitalof Thu Dau Mot in search of work.
Initially, they made lacqueritems to prevent themselves from missing their homeland and to providefor their new locality, which is home to many places of worship.
Then, lacquer paintings made in the area became popular among localpeople and a lacquer village was formed and has developed into what itis today.
Born in the central region, Tran Van Khiem, 80,has engaged in the lacquer production for nearly 70 years and seen manyups and downs in the village.
“The lacquer craftthrived the most during 1978-1979. At that time, we lived a well offlife doing this job,” said Khiem. “I like this work so I pursued it. Mychildren now also do this job.”
According to Khiem, Tuong BinhHiep lacquer items are distinguished by their gloss paint, which isdurable and becomes shinier over time. The village’s products are alsodiverse in design.
Currently, Tuong Binh Hiep village craftsmenare following two directions of development: using special paints toproduce traditional products and industrial paints to make modern ones.
Le Ba Linh, owner of the Tu Bon Lacquer Product Workshop, said TuongBinh Hiep’s product range includes souvenirs, consumer products anddecorations.
“These products are made in old or newstyle according to orders. It is important for us to earn a living andkeep the quality of products at the same time,” Linh said.
Materialsused for making different products are varied. Wood is used forproducing furniture, plywood for paintings and boxes, ceramic for vasesand statues, and cloth or paper for dishes and flower vases.
Other materials to make lacquer products also include egg shells and lamé.
Tocreate a traditional lacquer work, between 20 and 25 stages arerequired, with painting taking from 3-6 months to ensure qualityrequirements.
Khiem said in order to produce a lacquerproduct, it is necessary to choose a wooden plank which is not warpedand damaged by termites. That plank needs to undergo a process to ensurethat it will not become elastic in the future. This stage of work isimportant.
Because each stage of work requires meticulousattention to every little detail, so craftsmen must be hard-working,dedicated and highly aesthetic.
Over the past years,products in Tuong Binh Hiep have faced fierce competition from otherlocalities. However, skillful and careful local craftsmen have helpedpreserve the traditional occupation and made it thrive in the southernregion.-VNA
