Artisan Nguyễn Văn Tĩnh, Director of Việt Quang Bamboo and Rattan Company Limited, said that currently, Phú Vinh craft village not only meets the domestic demand for bamboo and rattan products but also reaches demanding markets around the world. — VNA Photos

HÀ NỘI — Just 27km west of Hà Nội’s centre, Phú Vinh craft village in Phú Nghĩa Commune, Chương Mỹ District boasts a history of over 400 years of bamboo and rattan weaving. The village not only preserves this traditional craft but also promotes its reputation both domestically and internationally.

Artisan Nguyễn Văn Trung, Chairman of the Phú Vinh Rattan and Bamboo Business Association, highlights the village's resilience: “The secret to Phú Vinh’s survival lies in the passion of its weavers. Each product embodies the creativity and diligence of the villagers. This dedication and continuous innovation have allowed generations of Phú Vinh artisans to thrive in their craft.”

The production process in Phú Vinh involves two main stages: splitting and drying. Initially, rattan is split into thin strips, with craftspeople selecting the appropriate method for each specific product. The strips are then whittled for added gloss and smoothness, soaked in water and dried again to enhance flexibility.

To create high-quality rattan products, several steps are involved, including selecting and processing raw materials before manufacturing products. Every step is done meticulously.

Nguyễn Văn Trung, Chairman of the Phú Vinh Bamboo and Rattan Business Association, emphasises that the enduring legacy of the Phú Vinh craft village lies in the passion and dedication of its weavers.

Thanks to the transfer of skills from father to son, younger generations in Phú Vinh have gained a deep understanding of the properties of various types of rattan and bamboo. As a result, weaving has become a cherished traditional craft in the village. Skilled artisans are producing a wide range of sophisticated and beautiful items, from rustic household goods like trays and baskets to intricate interior decorations such as tables, chairs, vases and lampshades.

Artisan Hoàng Văn Hạnh notes: “Phú Vinh’s rattan and bamboo products are not only flexible and easy to shape, but also remarkably durable. With proper maintenance, they can last for decades. Today, rattan and bamboo are not just materials for decoration and daily necessities; they are also used in designing residential buildings. Their strength and durability make them suitable for architectural projects, including civil houses and villas.”

The bamboo and rattan weaving profession of Phú Vinh village has created conditions for rural workers to increase their income, stabilise and improve their lives.

Recently, Phú Vinh craft village has embraced information technology to enhance product promotion, conduct market research and connect with customers more effectively.

Artisan Trung, Chairman of the Phú Vinh Bamboo and Rattan Business Association, shared that many families in the village have embraced online sales by establishing Facebook pages and websites, making it easier for more people to discover and purchase their products. Additionally, artisans actively participate in trade promotion activities, fairs and festivals to showcase their offerings. This swift adaptation has significantly enhanced the craft village's brand recognition.

Artisan Nguyễn Văn Tĩnh, Director of Việt Quang Bamboo and Rattan Company Limited, noted that Phú Vinh craft village not only meets domestic demand for bamboo and rattan products but also caters to demanding international markets. Exports to China, Japan and several European countries account for 60 per cent of the village's total production. This impressive figure underscores the appeal of Phú Vinh’s products on the global stage.

The bamboo and rattan products of Phú Vinh craft village are designed with the depth of Vietnamese culture, with simple, rustic stylised shapes.

“The products from this craft village are 100 per cent hand-woven, using bamboo and rattan, which are very environmentally friendly. These factors have convinced international customers to choose Phú Vinh’s products,” Tĩnh stated.

It is evident that the bamboo and rattan weaving profession in Phú Vinh has achieved remarkable success in the international market. The quality and diversity of the craft village's products have contributed to economic development and improved the livelihoods of the community. VNS

Bamboo and rattan products of Phú Vinh craft village contribute to preserving the quintessence of Hà Nội craft villages

This article is written in collaboration with the Hanoi Rural Development Sub-department.