Fine bamboo splints are dried in a sun-drenched courtyard to ensure absolute dryness, minimizing any risk of mold. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
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."
Tien (right) has dedicated half a lifetime to keeping the flame of his village’s heritage alive.
Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
Artisan Dinh Van Tien. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
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.
Testing the structural strength and durability of woven bamboo shades. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
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.
A visitor learns about Tang Tien handicrafts. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
"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.
Decorative fine-bamboo blinds paired with traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) parallel scrolls. Photo: Thanh Giang/VNP
"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