Quang Nam (VNA) – With a history spanning over 500 years and exquisite carvings, Kim Bong Carpentry Village has emerged as an attractive destination that draws visitors to Hoi An.
Together with Tra Que Vegetable Village and Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong is one of the most famous craft villages in Hoi An, of the central province of Quang Nam.
The village was renowned in the 16th century when it began focusing on woodwork and quickly went through prosperous development stages influenced by the bustling trade at the Hai An Port.
During this period, Hoi An became a vibrant centre for international cultural exchange, allowing the village to inherit and incorporate diverse woodworking styles from around the world. As a result, Kim Bong woodcraft gradually shaped a unique identity.
Entering the early 17th century, as trade in Hoi An reached its peak, Kim Bong also entered its most prosperous era.
In the 18th century, the village continued to diversify, featuring three main craft groups – construction, boat building, and household carpentry.
Additionally, supporting trades such as plastering and carving decorative motifs significantly contributed to the village's reputation across various regions.
Today, the village has preserved the old cultural features through traditional houses and distinctive handcrafts.
The artisans here not only hold a deep love for their craft but also actively participate in restoring and preserving the ancient relics of Hoi An ancient town. They utilise their expertise to build traditional wooden houses throughout various places.
By opening up to tourism, handicrafts in Kim Bong contribute to preserving tradition while also creating modern appeal.
Visitors to Kim Bong village can immerse themselves in an atmosphere that has existed through generations, where unique cultural and artistic values are preserved and expressed through each exquisite handmade product.
The heart of the village is home to numerous vibrant workshops. Here, people can witness talented artisans using traditional tools such as chisels, planes, skillfully creating fine wooden products.
While working, they often share stories about the village's history, the events they have experienced, and how carpentry techniques have been passed down through generations.
The rhythmic sounds of planing and carving resonate throughout the space, creating a feeling that is both relaxing and lively.
The woodworking process in Kim Bong is an elaborate art, from selecting suitable wood types to crafting each detail. Artisans will explain each step to visitors from basic shaping, carving patterns, to polishing the product to ensure that each item is refined, beautiful, and culturally significant.
The wooden products here are incredibly diverse, ranging from furniture like tables, chairs, and cabinets to unique decorative pieces such as Buddha statues, carved wooden paintings, and sailboats. Each product bears the strong imprint of local culture along with the artisans' craftsmanship.
Notably, large-scale work such as house pillars, wooden staircases, and intricately carved panels depicting daily life are clear evidence of the masterful crafting techniques of the village.
When visiting, tourists can directly participate in some simple stages, such as smoothing or carving small patterns, to better understand the skills and meticulousness involved in the local woodworking process.
After exploring the intricate wood-crafting process of the artisans, visitors can take time to admire the beauty of the finished products.
If you pay close attention, you will notice that each motif and pattern carved contains unique cultural elements characteristic of Hoi An. Familiar images such as water buffalo, farmers, boats, bamboo, and the Japanese Bridge appear on the products. All are carved in a simple, rustic manner yet exude warmth and familiarity.
This distinctive feature not only differentiates products from Kim Bong, but also piques curiosity and delight among visitors.
Not only do Kim Bong wooden products have exquisite designs, but they are also known for their durability and characteristic glossy brown colour. This natural hue creates a unique appearance that conveys elegance while also providing a raw and authentic feel. Thanks to their mastery of techniques, the artisans have transformed each piece of wood into a vibrant and captivating work of art./.
