Collaborating with artisans from Thanh Lieu village in Hai Duong City, the Center for Research, Development, and Application of Vietnamese Craft Village Products recently hosted a workshop on woodblock engraving and printing techniques. This event is part of a series of initiatives under the Thanh Lieu Woodblock project aimed at revitalizing the craft village.

Artisan Nguyen Cong Dat, highlighting the centuries-long legacy of Thanh Lieu woodblock engraving and printing, emphasized its significance, dating back 581 years. Renowned for its intricate techniques and the creation of valuable woodblock printing boards, the craft village's origins trace back to Luong Nhu Hoc, a distinguished figure in the Later Le Dynasty.

Notably, woodblocks from the Nguyen Dynasty, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and Phuc Giang School have earned recognition as UNESCO World Documentary Heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. Among these, the Phuc Giang School woodblocks, engraved in 1758 by artisan Nguyen Huy Vuong, stand as testaments to Thanh Lieu's craftsmanship. Additionally, woodblocks housed at Bo Da Pagoda, Tram Gian Pagoda, and Dong Nhan Pagoda have been designated national treasures, all crafted by artisans from Thanh Lieu.

Despite its illustrious history, Thanh Lieu's woodblock printing faces the threat of extinction, with only a handful of households preserving this traditional craft.

Artisan Nguyen Cong Dat said that the Thanh Lieu Woodblocks project is not just about heritage preservation but also about propelling the craft village into a future of growth and innovation, ensuring the continued reverence for woodblock craftsmanship.

During the woodblock engraving and printing workshop, artisans shared insights into the meticulous process involved, from selecting the right wood to carving letters, preparing ink, and printing on paper. Each stage demands precision and adherence to tradition to achieve clear, long-lasting prints.