Spectacular performance
Carefully shaping pottery, artisan Phung Quang Dang skilfully trims each contour of his work. Beside him, several others are attentively painting patterns on the body of a large vase. They use fine brushes, gently gliding over the ceramic surface. The motifs are delicately carved, and the scenery gradually takes form before viewers’ eyes.
The image of artisans meticulously practising their art with great passion highlighted the entire booth showcasing Bat Trang ceramics in the “Quintessence of Ha Noi Autumn” section. Visitors to the fair are fascinated by the shaping and engraving processes on ceramics and patiently wait to admire the final masterpiece once it is completed.
Aiming to bring visitors an engaging experience with the ceramic material, artisan Phung Quang Dang shared that through directly shaping clay, spinning the wheel, moulding or carving patterns, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the soil texture and the distinctive crackled glaze of Bat Trang ceramics.
“Through performance sessions and experiential activities, I hope Bat Trang ceramics can reach a wider audience among domestic and international visitors. This will help expand our distribution network and increase export orders,” expressed artisan Phung Quang Dang.
At this year’s fair, the artisan’s booth holds demonstrations at fixed time slots. They also sell products on site at reasonable prices with many attractive promotions for customers.
According to artisan Phung Quang Dang, the public’s interest not only brings pride to the craft village but also raises expectations for new orders and long-term connections after the Autumn Fair 2025.
Impressed by the spectacular performances of artisans from Ha Noi’s traditional craft villages, visitor Phan Le Huy from Phu Thuong Ward, Ha Noi, said: “Previously, I only saw finished products. Coming to this fair, I finally have the chance to learn more about the production process behind them.”
“The Autumn Fair 2025 offers many interesting activities for visitors, creating a friendly and familiar buying-and-selling space. At the fair, sellers can share more about their product stories, and buyers can better understand how these items are made,” Huy added.
Opportunities for craft villages to cooperate and develop
The “Quintessence of Ha Noi” space has gathered around 30 artisans and skilled craftsmen. At this year’s fair, many traditional crafts of the capital are performed live, attracting the attention of visitors.
In addition to Bat Trang ceramics, the booth introducing “to he” products in the “Quintessence of Ha Noi Autumn” section also drew large crowds,
especially children. Accompanied by their families, many children were excited to witness the making of “to he” with their own eyes. Watching each modelling movement, they curiously guessed which animal would appear next under the artisan’s skilful hands.
This booth also caught the attention of many international visitors. Tourists lingered to take photos with the products, ordered customised “to he” figures to their liking, and took time to learn about the cultural significance of this traditional folk toy.
As one of the young artisans determined to follow the “to he” craft in Xuan La, Ha Noi, Dang Thuong carried high hopes when joining this year’s Autumn Fair. He hoped that “to he” making would be preserved and developed through cooperation chains established after the fair.
Present at the fair with a booth located in the section showcasing the quintessence of Ha Noi’s craft villages and distinctive products, artisan Nguyen Van Su, a maker of horn combs, shared: “This is a valuable opportunity to promote traditional crafts and meet those who love handmade products.”
I hope the fair will act as a bridge helping handicraft products get more orders and attract more visitors to Thuy Ung Craft Village, so that the craft not only lives in memory but also develops in modern life.
The booth of artisan Nguyen Van Su, owner of Muoi Su Horn Handicraft Workshop in Thuy Ung Craft Village, Thuong Tin Commune, Ha Noi, was also crowded with visitors.
“For me, as a horn-craft artisan, this is not only an occasion to sell products but also an opportunity to tell the story of the craft and inspire the younger generation. I hope the fair will act as a bridge helping handicraft products get more orders and attract more visitors to Thuy Ung Craft Village, so that the craft not only lives in memory but also develops in modern life,” artisan Nguyen Van Su shared.
Bringing opportunities for connection among artisans, consumers, and partners, the “Quintessence of Ha Noi Autumn” space has left a deep impression on both domestic and international visitors at the Autumn Fair 2025. The growing number of interested guests, along with the implementation of diverse sales methods, has contributed to bringing Ha Noi’s handicraft and art products closer to the public, expanding distribution channels, and enhancing access to international markets.
