VietNamNet Bridge – Artisan Tran Huu Nhon is known as a gifted goldsmith and the one who holds the secrets of the jewelry making technique called “dau”.

 

At the age of 79, Mr. Nhon from the ancient capital of Hue is working patiently with unique jewelry to “leave for the future descendants”.

 

He said he has been working as a goldsmith for his entire life. The artisan is now busy with a silver-carved painting featuring Hanoi’s One Pillar Pagoda.

 

“I’ve been working on this painting for years. I’m inspired to make this painting because when I am working on it, my heart is directed toward the beloved capital. The painting is my wish for an immortal and prosperous Vietnam,” Nhon said.

 

According to the senior goldsmith, there are three kinds of jobs for jewelers, including: tron, cham and dau. “Tron” is basically making the shape of items, which any jeweler can do. “Cham” is using pointed tools to engrave on jewelries. “Dau” is the technique to make metals into threads to create jewelry. This technique is manual and the most difficult in jewelry.

 

Nhon said it is his fate to become a goldsmith. After his father died when he was four, Nhon lived with his uncle in Huong Tra district in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. The uncle, a silversmith, gave this job to Nhon.

 

To improve his skills, Nhon went to Hue city to work for Vinh Mau goldsmith’s store, one of the three biggest stores in Hue at that time. He gradually became the foreman and then opened his own store named Vinh Long.

 

With unique skills, he produced many intricate jewelries and became famous. The artisan has made hundreds of artworks, using “dau” technique. Many products won prizes at national fine-art product competitions. Nhon has been granted the title of Folk Artisan by the Association of Vietnamese Folk Artisans. He was also voted to be the chief goldsmith of Hue city.

 

Nhon said his biggest concern is that “dau” technique may be lost because he is the only one goldsmith in Hue and Vietnam that can perform this technique. His two sons are also goldsmiths but they have net to learn about “dau” from their father.

 

Recently, his 7th son named Tran Quang Tuan finalized a silver thread-made painting featuring a Buddha.  The work is praised by goldsmiths.  However, Nhon said that he had to help his son a lot to make this product. “But this is a good sign that shows his ability to maintain ‘dau’ technique,” Nhon said.

 

The artisan said this year he will make a silver thread-made painting featuring Hue’s Thien Mu pagoda and open a showroom at his home.

 

PV