Meeting an artisan of Chang Son carpentry village

Many residents of Chang Son Carpentry Village in Hanoi’s outskirt district of Thach That, driven by their passion for woodworking and a desire to preserve their ancestors' craftsmanship, continue to keep the spirit of carpentry alive.

This Chang Chay chisel has been attached to Artisan Nguyen Duc Hai for decades. The Chang Chay chisel, whose name originates from an ancient Vietnamese term meaning "strike," is considered the soul of Chang Son's woodworking heritage.

For artisans like Hai, the Chang Chay chisel holds a special significance, and even cannot be replaced by any advanced tools.

Historically, Chang Son carpenters traveled far and wide, crafting furniture like beds, cabinets, and intricate wooden structures. Hai also followed in this tradition, journeying with his fellow villagers to showcase the skill and artistry of Chang Son woodworking.

For Hai, though age has slowed him down, his commitment to passing on this tradition to his family remains strong. He believes in creating wooden items, that hold the essence of his craft for future generations.

Although times have changed, Chang Son carpenters continue to uphold the traditional woodworking from their ancestors. Anyone visiting Chang Son and witnessing the masterpieces created here will be impressed by the skill, dedication, and artistry of these artisans. Moreover, they hope to embed respect and cultural values for future generations through their work./.