Thang Long bronze casting village keeps kilns burning over four centuries

Dating back to the 17th century, bronze casting in Ngu Xa village is regarded as one of the four premier crafts in the ancient Thang Long imperial citadel. Today, this village continues to steadfastly uphold its craft in the flow of history.

According to the history of the craft village, in the 1600s, the imperial court of the Le Dynasty invited five highly skilled bronze casters from the villages of Dong Mai, Chau My, Long Thuong, Dao Vien, and Dien Tien to the capital, forming what is now known as Trang Ngu Xa. To honor the five villages of origin, the locals named their village Ngu Xa. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Throughout many challenging historical times and significant social upheavals, the people of Ngu Xa village were determined to preserve the values of their craft, continuing to refine their skills and pursue further expertise in their trade. (Photo: Vietnam+)

With skilled hands and a deep understanding of their craft, artisans transform pieces of raw bronze into works of art. (Photo: Vietnam+)

The bronze products undergo various processes that require meticulousity and patience of the craftsmen. (Photo: Vietnam+)

The final step involves polishing to achieve the complete product. (Photo: Vietnam+)

The main bronze products today typically include ceremonial objects such as incense burners, tripods, candle holders, vases, and sets of three or five bronze offerings. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Additionally, there are products like Buddha and Bodhisattva statues. (Photo: Vietnam+)