Quat Dong embroidery village is considered the birthplace of embroidery in Vietnam, with a history spanning nearly 400 years. In this article, JAVICO will provide you with detailed insights into this craft village.
Where is Quat Dong embroidery village?
Quat Dong embroidery village is located in Quat Dong commune, Thuong Tin district, Hanoi, about 25 kilometers south of the city center.
History of Quat Dong embroidery village
Embroidery has been presented in Quat Dong village since the 17th century. According to the legend, in 1646, Mr. Le Cong Hanh – a native of Quat Dong village – was sent as an envoy to China. During this journey, he learnt the craft of making parasols and embroidery. Upon returning home, he passed these skills down to Quat Dong villagers.
The founding father of embroidery – Mr. Le Cong Hanh (Photo from the Internet)
Mr. Le Cong Hanh is honored as the founding father of embroidery not only in Quat Dong village but also throughout Vietnam. Annually, on his death anniversary (the 12th day of the 6th lunar month), embroiderers gather in Quat Dong village to pay tribute to his contributions.
Initially, Quat Dong embroidery items were mainly ritual items, worship items, decoratives, and attire for royal court and aristocracy, temples and pagodas such as parallel sentences, altar curtains, ceremonial scarves, imperial robes, etc. During the feudal period, Quat Dong embroideries were renowned near and far with some embroidery paintings even being brought to Laos and Thailand.
An embroidery artisan in 1900. (Photo from the Internet)
Unique features of Quat Dong embroideries
Quat Dong embroiderers must possess not only dexterous hands but also creativity and a refined aesthetic sense. Creating an embroidered piece involves numerous steps, including sketching designs, printing patterns, transferring outlines, selecting colored threads, and finally embroidering.
Basic hand embroidery techniques of Quat Dong include straight stitch, satin stitch, French knot, bead stitch, scallop stitch, etc. To make a soulful, soft and high-aesthetic product, each stitch must be smooth, even, and well-hidden, the colors, shades, and shapes must be sharp, harmonious and lifelike.
A Quat Dong artisan embroiders skillfully. (Photo from the Internet)
Currently, Quat Dong embroideries fall into 4 main categories, including embroidery paintings, embroidery portraits, embroidery clothes and traditional embroideries (such as parallel sentences, altar curtains, flags, parasols, baldachins, table cloths, beddings, etc.). Besides, they also engage in sewing, beadwork, attaching horns, fabric appliqué on handbags, etc. on embroideries.
Most Quat Dong embroidery paintings depict Vietnam’s landscapes, famous tourist attractions, and ancient folklore such as banyan trees, water wafts, Ngoc Son Temple, Hue ancient capital, rat’s wedding, carp gazing at the moon, beautiful flowers, symbols of luck and wealth in feng shui, etc.
Quat Dong embroidery paintings stand out for harmonious colors, sharp shapes, and smooth stitches. (Photo from the Internet)
Besides, Quat Dong embroidery paintings are renowned for the two-sided embroidery technique on thin chiffon fabric, using silk threads. With this technique, the stitches are hidden within the layers, making it nearly impossible to identify the start or end of the embroidery. Creating a two-sided embroidery painting takes 3 times longer than a regular piece.
Quat Dong village is famous for its two-sided embroidery technique. (Photo from the Internet)
Embroidery portraits require Quat Dong artisans to have not only skillful hands but also an understanding of painting and photography to portray all the charisma and personalities of the characters.
The vivid portraits appear under the skillful hands of Quat Dong embroiders. (Photo from the Internet)
Additionally, Quat Dong craftsmen embroider and restore imperial clothes, which requires craftsmen to have an understanding of regulations relating to imperial clothes and execute each color and pattern accurately.
The current development of Quat Dong embroidery village
Nowadays, embroidery remains the primary livelihood for many families in Quat Dong village, with some households even preserving the craft through 5 – 7 generations. This craft creates jobs and stable income for the residents.
Embroidery craft in Quat Dong village brings jobs and stable incomes to many people. (Photos from the Internet)
Quat Dong embroideries, which are famous for their delicateness and smoothness, are not only favored domestically but also exported to many countries such as the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, etc.
Hopefully, this article has helped you gain more understanding of Quat Dong embroidery village – the cradle of traditional hand embroidery craft in Vietnam.
