With a history of over 300 years, Nhi Khe woodturning village is one of Vietnam’s most renowned traditional craft villages. In this article, JAVICO will provide the detailed insights into its history and craftmanship.
Where is Nhi Khe woodturning village?
Nhi Khe woodturning village is located in Thuong Tin District of Hanoi, about 20 kilometers south of the city center.
History of Nhi Khe craft village
Nhi Khe village has the folk name Dũi. Due to its fame for woodturning, it became widely known as Dũi Tiện (meaning Dũi woodturning village).
Woodturning has been present in Nhi Khe village for several centuries. Legend has it that under the reign of King Le and Lord Trinh, an highly skilled craftsman named Doan Tai – who known for his exquisite woodturning craftsmanship – passed down his expertise to the villagers of Nhi Khe. When the villagers had mastered the craft, he left the village on the 25th day of the 10th lunar month and never returned. Nhi Khe villagers honored him as the founding father of their craft and took the day he left the village as the annual memorial day for him.
Each year, on the 25th day of the 10th lunar month, Nhi Khe villagers hold a solemnly memorial ceremony to honor the founding father of the craft. (Photo from the Internet)
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Nhi Khe woodturning craft flourished and the villagers opened stores on crowded streets such as To Tich, Hang Gai, etc.
The special features of Nhi Khe woodturning items
Nhi Khe woodturning items are often crafted from wood or horn.
In the past, the craftsmen primarily produced only ritual items (incense tubes, candle holders, flower vases, prayer beads, etc) and household items (teapot baskets, wooden trays, tea tables, tea jars, window bars, table legs, cake molds, wooden balls, spinning tops, etc.).
A selection of household items from Nhi Khe village. (Photo from the Internet)
Currenly, the craftsmen also create Buddhist statues, animal sculptures, etc. to meet market demands. Besides, they make use of scrap wood to produce round wooden beads for curtains and pillows.
Nhi Khe craftsmen now craft various animal sculptures to meet customer needs. (Photo from the Internet)
Beyond traditional woodturing, the contemporary Nhi Khe craftsmen skillfully integrate woodturning with mother-of-pearl inlaying, lacquer painting and carving techniques to create premium and intricate decorative handicrafts.
One unique aspect of Nhi Khe craft village is that each household typically specializes in producing only one or a few specific items, which minimizes reduces competition, and ensures every product is meticulously and exquisitely crafted.
Nhi Khe woodturning producst are delicately refined in every detail. (Photo from the Internet)
In the past, the craftsmen had to work laboriously using rudimentary tools without ball bearing. For example, they had to operate foot-powered turning tool with wooden rotating wheels and rope or leather cords. Nowadays, the craftsmen benefit from electrically motorized woodturning machines, saws, bead mills, grinders, etc., allowing them to work more efficiently while reducing manual. However, under any circumstances, Nhi Khe items remain renowned for their intricate craftsmanship.
Modern machinery now assists Nhi Khe craftsmen in saving energy and enhancing quality and productivity. (Photo from the Internet)
How is Nhi Khe craft village developing?
Nhi Khe woodturning products are highly valued in both domestic and international markets and there are many items exported overseas. The craft has provided employment not only for local villagers but also for people in neighboring regions, contributing to economic growth and improving livelihoods.
Additionally, Nhi Khe woodturning village has become a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about and witness the woodturning process firsthand.
Hopefully, this article helps you gain a deeper understanding of Nhi Khe woodturning village, a place where the beautiful values of Vietnam’s traditional craft villages are preserved and celebrated.
