VietNamNet Bridge – An excursion to Ha Thai lacquer village in Hanoi’s suburban district of Thuong Tin will be held this Sunday by the Friends of Vietnam Heritage.  

A craftman working on a lacquer painting in a workshop in Ha Thai Village. — Photo baomoi.com

Although Ha Thai Village was not the first village to invent lacquer painting, it has long been a centre of this art in Vietnam. Started by Vietnamese painters at the Indochina College of Fine Arts in the 1930s, it was introduced to people of the village. Since then, many artisans have hailed from the town.

Each lacquer painting has its own unique beauty. Enjoying lacquer painting requires thorough knowledge of painting techniques in order to understand the talent and dedication of artisans as well as the sophistication and creativity which lies beneath the layers of colour.

Artisan Vu Huy Men – dubbed the “treasure” of the village – will tell stories of craftsmanship and the lives of the artists to visitors.

The excursion is not only to learn about the craft, but also to explore a typical northern village that still retains its ancient temple, pagoda, pond and courtyard.

The trip will depart from Hanoi at 9am and return to the centre at 5pm. Cost: VND300,000. Max: 25 people.

For registration, contact Phuong Anh at phuonganhnguyen15@gmail.com. 

VNS