Ultra-thin gold leaves for gilding are distinctive products made by artisans in Kieu Kỵ commune, Gia Lam district, Hanoi, which cannot be found elsewhere in Vietnam

Kieu Ky villagers have made gold leaves since the 18th century to decorate courts, buildings and interiors of aristocrats, as well as Buddhist sanctuaries in the former Thang Long capital

Gold leave making is a sophisticated work which requires consummate skill and patience as artisans need to complete eight major steps with dozens of small tasks

Finished ultra-thin golden leaves

To create a smooth and shiny golden coat for ancient-looked products, gilding craftsmen need to overlay the products with super-thin gold leaves while the paintwork is still wet

To create a smooth and shiny golden coat for ancient-looked products, gilding craftsmen need to overlay the products with super-thin gold leaves while the paintwork is still wet

Gold-gilded product by artisans from Kieu Ky village