“Keeping the Flame” of Traditional Crafts in Phu Tho

In the era of integration and development, amidst the proliferation of modern industrial products, Phu Tho Province has managed to preserve nearly 200 traditional craft villages. Famous names such as Hương Canh pottery, Trieu De bamboo and rattan weaving, Hai Luu stone, Thanh Lang woodwork, Bich Chu woodwork, and Ly Nhan forging have long been a source of pride for the Ancestral Land, maintained and passed down through generations.

Despite the increasing market dominance of products made from plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, and other affordable materials, the bamboo and rattan weaving craft in Trieu De (now Son Dong Commune) continues to be steadfastly preserved by the local people.

For the residents here, the craft is not just a livelihood; it is a cherished memory, a cultural practice, and a tradition passed down from generation to generation.

The handmade baskets, trays, and racks produced here, requiring meticulous attention and patience, have provided employment for hundreds of workers during the off-seasons.

The nimble hands of the artisans, skillfully weaving the bamboo strips, stand as a testament to the spirit of “keeping the craft” with deep respect.

Originating more than three centuries ago, Huong Canh pottery, from the former Huong Canh Town, now Binh Nguyen Commune, is renowned for its rustic, durable nature and its distinctive beauty.

The brown-hued jars, urns, teapots, and cups have made the village’s pottery famous over many generations.

Despite the changes brought on by modern life, some pottery kilns remain dedicated to maintaining traditional pottery-making methods.

New decorative pottery products, with diverse shapes and designs, have been created to meet the demands of tourists and the modern market.

In particular, the village’s experiential tourism model has attracted many visitors, especially young people, who come to learn about the history of the craft and create their own pottery.

Along with bamboo and rattan weaving, Huong Canh pottery, and Ly Nhan blacksmithing in Vinh Phu Commune, which has been known for centuries as the cradle of traditional forging, continue to thrive.

Throughout various challenges, the artisans of Ly Nhan remain dedicated to their craft, tirelessly working at the blazing forge, maintaining the exquisite handcraft techniques. For them, preserving the craft is not just about making a living – it is about preserving the values tied to their roots, to the unique identity of the Ancestral Land of the Hung Kings.

Le Minh