The man upholds the soul of Ha Dong silk

As urbanisation is getting more and more rapid, more villages are being ‘transformed’ into cities. The old images of bolts of silk drying on the fields, manual looms, etc only remain in memory. Despite experiencing a lot of ups and downs, Van Phuc silk village still has talented and industrious artisans who uphold the reputation of Ha Dong silk.
Rise and fall of silk life
Nguyen Huu Chinh is one of three recognised artisans of Van Phuc silk village. As the Chairman of Van Phuc Silk Weaving Craft Village Association for years, he has always nurtured the idea of making new designs of silk that could preserve traditional features of Van Phuc silk and at the same time satisfy customers’ demand.
Artisan Nguyen Huu Chinh has made up his mind to create strong silk bolts and show the beauty of silk wearers.
Chinh confided that silk is associated with life of each Van Phuc villager. Each silk thread and the changes in Van Phuc people’s life are imbued with historical events. There were periods when, silk weaving in Van Phuc village seemed to die. But I was Chinh who has always considered each product made from silk as a work of art so he has tried to breath life into products, making them lively and splendid.
In the market economy, Van Phuc silk has to face considerable challenges to develop. In 2006, National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam recognised Ha Dong silk brand name though Ha Dong silk is being faked in many places that affects the prestige of the craft village.
Since 2008, artisan Chinh has asked the authorities to protect and develop Ha Dong silk brand name. In 2009, he invested in weaving ‘Ha Dong silk’ brand and his production establishment’s name on the silk product of his family. Thanks to his efforts, in 2010, Ha Dong local authorities have decided to provide VND 1 million to each power-loom to support households to weave ‘Ha Dong silk’ brand on their products.
Long Van silk weave for 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi
Artisan Chinh has created new silk designs, presenting a harmony of traditional and modern features that not only meet customers’ demand but also create fresh vitality to Ha Dong silk.
“The Ha Dong silk characteristics are distinguished by its material and embossed patterns. The essence of Ha Dong silk is the silk weaving technique of Van Phuc people that stays for generations. Thus, weaving a beautiful silk bolt requires weavers’ heart and soul”, said Chinh.
With ceaseless efforts and creativeness, the old artisan has created many new designs that were highly appreciated in many contests and also won customers’ hearts.
Also, with a wish to show gratitude to the ancestors and to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, Chinh has gathered up his mind to design Long Van silk pattern which was completed in early June, 2010. Such silk design is the latest one that adds to the value of Ha Dong precious silk. Patterns of Long Van silk present the harmony of Yin and Yang that are directed toward prosperity and development.
Chinh confided that each occupation has its own rise and fall and so does Van. It requires ceaseless creativity and new vitality for Ha Dong silk to develop.
The artisan has associated his life with ups and downs of silk life. Despite his age and harsh time, he always brings about creative ideas to silk. Ha Dong silk’s fame will stay unchanged and is associated with the people who always go with the ups and downs of silk life.