The village was renowned for embroidered items of royal dress during the feudal dynasties. Legend has it that the master of the embroidery craft in Quat Dong village was Dr Le Cong Hanh (1606-1661). Hanh traveled to China as King Le Chan Tong’s envoy and learned embroidery. Upon his return, he taught the craft to the villagers of Quat Dong and neighboring areas.
For many years, locals have created new models with a lot of themes, featuring Vietnamese life styles. The embroidery in Quat Dong has reached a sophisticated and refined level.
After taking care of the crops, Quat Dong villagers focus on embroidery. Each household has traditional embroidery frames. Many families have seventh generations engaged in the craft.
Besides maintaining the craft in households, the village has opened many cooperatives and workshops which gather 200 to 500 skillful craftspeople. Many of them have become well-known artisans in Vietnam as well as in the world. They include elder Bui Le Kinh who used to embroider royal costumes for King Bao Dai and Queen Nam Phuong. There is also artisan Thai Van Bon who was famous for embroidered portraits of leaders.
According to artisan Nguyen Xuan Duc, an experienced Quat Dong craftsperson, a fine embroidered painting should have clear embroidery stitches and a harmonious combination of colors. Quat Dong double-sided embroidered paintings which are created on veils, using silk thread have the same image on both sides of the fabric.
Through the talented hands of Quat Dong craftspeople, unique themes are displayed in a lively way on embroidery imbued with Vietnamese culture.
The major artworks of Quat Dong village feature many familiar images of Vietnam, including banyan trees, a river wharf, and scenic spots such as One Pillar pagoda, Ngoc Son temple, Hong Thai communal house and Hue’s imperial city.
For many years, locals have created new models with a lot of themes, featuring Vietnamese life styles. The embroidery in Quat Dong has reached a sophisticated and refined level.
After taking care of the crops, Quat Dong villagers focus on embroidery. Each household has traditional embroidery frames. Many families have seventh generations engaged in the craft.
  Many people from other provinces learn the embroidery craft in Quat Dong village.  It takes three to four days to finish an embroidered painting.  Quat Dong artisans sketch patterns on fabric before embroidering.  Ha Long bay on an embroidery. |
Besides maintaining the craft in households, the village has opened many cooperatives and workshops which gather 200 to 500 skillful craftspeople. Many of them have become well-known artisans in Vietnam as well as in the world. They include elder Bui Le Kinh who used to embroider royal costumes for King Bao Dai and Queen Nam Phuong. There is also artisan Thai Van Bon who was famous for embroidered portraits of leaders.
According to artisan Nguyen Xuan Duc, an experienced Quat Dong craftsperson, a fine embroidered painting should have clear embroidery stitches and a harmonious combination of colors. Quat Dong double-sided embroidered paintings which are created on veils, using silk thread have the same image on both sides of the fabric.
Through the talented hands of Quat Dong craftspeople, unique themes are displayed in a lively way on embroidery imbued with Vietnamese culture.
The major artworks of Quat Dong village feature many familiar images of Vietnam, including banyan trees, a river wharf, and scenic spots such as One Pillar pagoda, Ngoc Son temple, Hong Thai communal house and Hue’s imperial city.
Quat Dong embroidered paintings:             |
Story: Bich Van - Photos: Trinh Bo
