Breathing New Life into the Rattan Craft
Tucked away in the tranquil Kinh Bac countryside, the Tang Tien bamboo and rattan craft village is writing the next chapter of a 300-year-old trade. Once producing rattan wares for daily use, the village has transformed itself-fusing traditional techniques with creative innovation to breathe new life into the rattan craft.
About 70km northeast of central Hanoi, Tang Tien in Nenh Ward, Bac Ninh Province, has the idyllic charm typical of a village in Kinh Bac region- the cradle of the Great Viet civilization. Yet, behind its green bamboo groves lies a distinct rhythm defined by the clatter of weaving looms, the aroma of smoked bamboo, and the swift hands of thousands of artisans.
The village boasts a history spanning over three centuries, with weaving skills handed down through at least ten generations. Initially a part-time trade during the slow season, it supplied household necessities like baskets and trays to the Northern Delta. Over time, the exceptional dexterity of local artisans elevated this practice into a highly sophisticated handicraft.
Perfectly uniform bamboo mats in a vibrant array of colors gradually take shape across the looms. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
Seated on his porch in Chua Hamlet, artisan Dinh Van Tien worked with paper-thin bamboo strips. Born in 1949, he is one of the village's "living histories."
"Since the age of five or six, children here learn how to handle bamboo strips and weave before they even learn to read," Tien said. He noted that the secret to a flawless piece lies entirely in patience and tactile intuition rather than strength. "The bamboo strips must be split from mature, straight, and flexible culms. A single moment of carelessness can ruin an entire piece."
Through the skillful hands of Tang Tien artisans, simple raw materials are transformed into exquisite woven rattan and bamboo masterpieces. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
While artisan Dinh Van Tien keeps the traditional flame alive, Dinh Van Tinh, Director of the Tang Tien Bac Giang Bamboo and Rattan One-Member Co., Ltd. has pivoted the village toward a new milestone. In the late 1990s when traditional woven products faced market saturation, Tinh traveled to various craft villages to expand his knowledge. In 1999, he established the Tang Tien Bamboo and Rattan Cooperative, marking a transition to modern bamboo curtain weaving techniques in the craft.
The establishment of the cooperative has helped restructure the local economy. Once a part-time seasonal activity, the bamboo and rattan craft has become the primary livelihood for numerous households, accounting for roughly 80% of the locals’ income. Today, the village’s flagship products include fine bamboo-curtains, artistic sunshades, and premium handicrafts.
What defines Tang Tien’s unique identity is its entirely natural treatment process. Instead of utilizing chemical dyes, the bamboo is smoked over straw or dry wood to achieve a durable, glossy auburn hue that naturally repels termites. The manufacturing process follows five strict stages: raw material selection, preliminary processing, strip splitting, smoke curing, weaving, and final styling.
"By combining manual techniques with modern weaving machinery, the craft village now generates around 4,000 regular jobs," Tinh noted with pride. "Many of our products have achieved 3-star and 4-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) certifications and are highly sought after in international markets, including Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, and Canada."
Today, Tang Tien is not just a handicraft hub. It has become a compelling destination where visitors can experience every stage of production firsthand while soaking in the rhythm of a Vietnamese village that preserves its traditional soul amidst modern dynamics.
"As long as there are people weaving, the craft village lives on," Tien said. His confidence endorses the enduring vitality of Tang Tien where Vietnam’s bamboo and rattan heritage has been preserved, revitalized, and passed down to future generations./.
By Thanh Giang/VNP