Lotus Leaf Conical Hats from Hue
In the vibrant and diverse tapestry of Vietnamese culture, the conical hat, or non la, has long been a symbol, particularly in the former imperial city of Hue - a land steeped in traditional values and artistic essence.
Over time, variations of Hue hats, including those adorned with poems or inscriptions known as non bai tho, have become cherished souvenirs. However, since 2017, a novel handicraft has emerged, bringing a breath of fresh air to the traditional hat-making craft: the Hue lotus leaf conical hat, a unique creation by Nguyen Thanh Thao.
The Hue lotus leaf conical hat represents a delicate fusion of traditional hat making and an innovative material - lotus leaves. This concept arose from a desire to create a product that not only preserves traditional cultural identity but also embraces innovation and creativity. The production process begins with the selection of the most exquisite lotus leaves, followed by a treatment stage to ensure their durability and color retention. Artisans in Hue’s renowned Doc So hat-making village dedicate approximately a day to cham (sewing) each hat to create the finished piece.
"Each lotus leaf conical hat is a work of art demanding meticulousness and patience," said Nguyen Thanh Thao, the founder of the Sen Thao brand. "My aim was to create a product that is not only beautiful but also carries cultural and natural significance. The lotus leaf, a symbol of purity and refinement, perfectly embodies the essence of Hue's beauty".
The most distinctive characteristic of the Hue lotus leaf conical hat is the clear visibility of the intricate leaf veins on its surface. Each lotus leaf possesses unique veining, rendering every lotus leaf hat truly oneof-a-kind. More than just an everyday item, the lotus leaf hat is a work of art that embodies the harmonious connection between humanity and nature, tradition and modernity.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Hue lotus leaf conical hat also boasts practical applications in daily life. It offers a novel and elegant accessory for Ao dai with a distinct Hue charm. The gentle, harmonious green of the lotus leaves effortlessly complements various Ao dai styles, creating a refined and graceful look for Vietnamese women.
Tran Thi Huong, a seasoned hat artisan with over 30 years of experience in Doc So Village, commented, "I have dedicated my life to crafting traditional conical hats, but when I began working with lotus leaf hats, I recognized it as a truly creative innovation. Utilizing lotus leaves requires different techniques compared to traditional palm leaves. We must exercise greater care and precision during the cham process to avoid damaging the natural veins of the lotus leaves".
Since its inception, the Sen Thao brand has continuously expanded and diversified its product lines of lotus leaf conical hats. Currently, Sen Thao offers a variety of lotus leaf hats tailored to different demographics: small-sized hats for children, graceful designs for young women, and dignified designs for nuns and monks, suitable for meditative settings.
This diversity not only caters to a wide range of customers but also showcases the adaptability and ingenuity in blending tradition and modernity. This crucial factor has contributed significantly to making the Hue lotus leaf conical hat an appealing product for both domestic and international markets.
John Smith, a tourist from Canada, said, "I purchased a lotus leaf conical hat as a gift for my wife. It is the most unique souvenir I have acquired during my travels. I am deeply impressed by the hat-making technique and especially the innovative use of lotus leaves as the primary material. The hat is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply imbued with Vietnamese culture, particularly the essence of Hue".
The emergence and growth of the Hue lotus leaf conical hat have not only introduced a novel product but have also played a vital role in preserving and developing the traditional hat-making craft, while simultaneously promoting the refined, graceful, and culturally rich image of Hue. It stands as a testament to the fact that the synergy between tradition and modernity, preservation and innovation, is not only necessary but also yields new values, further enriching the cultural heritage of the nation./.
By Thanh Giang/VNP
Translated by Hong Hanh