Convergence of Essence brings craft heritage into contemporary art

The exhibition traces the journey of traditional craft villages from rural areas to ancient Thang Long (present-day Hanoi). A central installation features a trading boat and a collection of 200 fish sculptures.

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Ceramics, rattan and bamboo products, alongside other traditional materials, are displayed aboard the boat, each representing a different craft and the stories passed down through generations of artisans.

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An installation combining ceramics, bamboo and wood explores different ways of working with traditional materials. Brought together in a single artwork, these familiar elements form a visual dialogue between craft heritage and contemporary art.

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The exhibition introduces bamboo and rattan weaving from Phu Vinh Village, a craft known for its intricate techniques. Artisans transform natural materials into a wide range of products, keeping the traditional skill relevant to modern life.

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Bamboo and rattan products from Phu Vinh village reflect the artisans’ mastery of natural materials and techniques refined over generations.

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From everyday household items to decorative works, bamboo and rattan lend themselves to a variety of forms and aesthetic styles. The exhibition presents traditional craftsmanship as not only a heritage to preserve but also a source of inspiration for new creations.

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Visitors can watch live craft demonstrations, meet artisans and try their hand at activities such as weaving, embroidery and pottery-making, gaining first-hand insight into traditional materials and techniques.

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Artisans weave and join bamboo and rattan strands using different techniques to create a variety of shapes, patterns and structures, turning simple natural materials into functional objects with distinctive artistic appeal.

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The embroidery section features works by artisan Vu Gioi and his son, Vu Dinh Thi, highlighting the continuity of traditional hand-embroidery within a family of craftspeople.

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Creating an embroidered piece requires considerable time and meticulous attention, from selecting thread colours and planning the composition to completing each individual stitch.

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One of the featured works depicts the legend of King Le Loi returning his sword to the Golden Turtle, a story closely associated with the name and cultural identity of Hoan Kiem Lake.

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Through demonstrations and explanations, artisan Vu Gioi introduces visitors to the distinctive techniques and intricate processes involved in traditional hand-embroidery.

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The ceramic section, presented by artist Ky Danh, brings the traditional pottery-making heritage of Bat Trang into conversation with contemporary art. Works in a variety of forms and glaze colours are arranged to create a continuous visual flow throughout the space.

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The ceramic displays tell a story of transformation, as earth is shaped by human hands and fired into finished works, reflecting generations of labour, creativity and craftsmanship.

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Each ceramic piece has its own distinctive shape, colour and mark of the maker’s hand.

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Running for one month, the initiative brings traditional crafts and art closer to the public, connects artisans with the creative community and offers local residents and international visitors to Hanoi’s Old Quarter greater access to cultural experiences and products.