VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese artisans can make jewelry from gold, pearls, jade, conch or rock, but jewelry made from huyen (obsidian) is rare and that is why artisan Tran Chi Thong of Ha Tien Town in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang stands out.

Artisan Tran Chi Thong holds a handmade huyen (obsidian) bracelet.

Huyen is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsitic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimum crystal growth. The lava covers on sediment trees then becomes a deep black block known for its high blast resistance and strength, stronger than stone but softer then jade, so artisans can cut and shape it with a simple tool like a sharp knife.

Phu Quoc Island was home to many huyen mines as the craft appeared in the late 18th century in the Mac Cuu period. In French colonial times, the craft came into vogue as the colonial people loved handmade jewelry.

Thong has developed the craft which was handed down from his grandfather since 1995. He dug out huyen hidden underground by his family and started his craft with bracelets, necklaces, rings and Buddhist statues. His products are widely sold in Ha Tien; some are sold in HCMC and abroad.

“Huyen is now rare in Vietnam so I have to buy it from Laos or Cambodia to make a product. Artisans need time, being meticulous as well as skillful as there is no industrial process for the craft,” said Huyen, adding that this is the reason why trainees give up after some days when they try to study the craft.

Thong has a store selling his huyen products on Lam Son Street in Ha Tien Town. “People love the products not for only their beauty but also their function in curing health problems,” said Thong. He also worries that there are no youngsters preserving the craft as it is hard to make and doesn’t bring a lot of financial gain to creators.

Therefore, he hopes the local authorities will open a class to teach people how to make huyen jewelry and products.

Source: SGT