Tuong Binh Hiep village in the southern province of Binh Duong has
become well-known for its lacquer items, markedly different from craft
products made by other localities in the country.
In the first half of the 18th century, traditional lacquer craftsmen
from the northern and central regions migrated to the provincial capital
of Thu Dau Mot in search of work.
Initially, they made lacquer
items to prevent themselves from missing their homeland and to provide
for their new locality, which is home to many places of worship.
Then, lacquer paintings made in the area became popular among local
people and a lacquer village was formed and has developed into what it
is today.
Born in the central region, Tran Van Khiem, 80,
has engaged in the lacquer production for nearly 70 years and seen many
ups and downs in the village.
“The lacquer craft
thrived the most during 1978-1979. At that time, we lived a well off
life doing this job,” said Khiem. “I like this work so I pursued it. My
children now also do this job.”
According to Khiem, Tuong Binh
Hiep lacquer items are distinguished by their gloss paint, which is
durable and becomes shinier over time. The village’s products are also
diverse in design.
Currently, Tuong Binh Hiep village craftsmen
are following two directions of development: using special paints to
produce traditional products and industrial paints to make modern ones.
Le Ba Linh, owner of the Tu Bon Lacquer Product Workshop, said Tuong
Binh Hiep’s product range includes souvenirs, consumer products and
decorations.
“These products are made in old or new
style according to orders. It is important for us to earn a living and
keep the quality of products at the same time,” Linh said.
Materials
used for making different products are varied. Wood is used for
producing furniture, plywood for paintings and boxes, ceramic for vases
and statues, and cloth or paper for dishes and flower vases.
Other materials to make lacquer products also include egg shells and lamé.
To
create a traditional lacquer work, between 20 and 25 stages are
required, with painting taking from 3-6 months to ensure quality
requirements.
Khiem said in order to produce a lacquer
product, it is necessary to choose a wooden plank which is not warped
and damaged by termites. That plank needs to undergo a process to ensure
that it will not become elastic in the future. This stage of work is
important.
Because each stage of work requires meticulous
attention to every little detail, so craftsmen must be hard-working,
dedicated and highly aesthetic.
Over the past years,
products in Tuong Binh Hiep have faced fierce competition from other
localities. However, skillful and careful local craftsmen have helped
preserve the traditional occupation and made it thrive in the southern
region.-VNA