To celebrate Viet Nam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23) and Viet Nam Culture Day (November 24), the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ha Noi Old Quarter Management Board opened a cultural exhibition, introduction, and experiential programme titled “Tinh hoa hoi tu” (The Convergence of Quintessence) at the Ho Guom Cultural Centre in Hoan Kiem Ward, Ha Noi, on November 3.
Inspired by the history of Thang Long-Ke Cho, where the finest local produce, people and cultural traditions from across the country came together, “Tinh hoa hoi tu” tells the story of traditional crafts as they travelled from rural villages to urban streets, from humble materials to works of art, and from traditional techniques to contemporary creativity. Running throughout the programme is the image of the “Boat of Quintessence”, evoking the cultural memories of Hoan Kiem Lake and the trading routes that once brought local products to the ancient capital of Thang Long.
A highlight of the exhibition is the installation space entitled “Ke Cho Wharf – The Boat Carrying Quintessence”, featuring a boat laden with ceramics, rattan, and bamboo products, along with other craft materials. It is accompanied by the artwork comprising 200 fish figures made from ceramics, bamboo, and wood. The interplay of materials, forms and installation art creates a visually striking and highly symbolic centrepiece, marking the beginning of a journey to discover heritage by Hoan Kiem Lake.
From the boat, visitors enter three exhibition spaces, each telling a story of Vietnamese craftsmanship, skills, and creativity.
“Woven — From Bamboo and Rattan to Form” introduces the Phu Vinh bamboo and rattan weaving craft, where humble strands of rattan and bamboo strips are transformed by skilled hands into household items, handicrafts, and contemporary creations. The space celebrates the artisans’ meticulousness and perseverance, while highlighting the ability of traditional crafts to adapt and evolve in modern life.
“Embroidering history — The Story of Ho Guom” showcases the embroidery art of artisan Vu Gioi and his son, Vu Dinh Thi, demonstrating how knowledge and a love of the craft are passed down through generations. A highlight is an installation featuring hundreds of stitches and threads, alongside an embroidered picture depicting the legend of King Le Loi returning the precious sword to the sacred turtle.
Another highlight is the exhibition section titled “River of Ceramics — From Earth Through Fire”, featuring creative works by artist Ky Danh. Ceramic works of diverse forms and glaze colours are arranged to create a continuous flow through the space, evoking the transformation of clay through the hands of artisans and the heat of the kiln. The installation also symbolises the continual evolution, interaction, and dissemination of heritage. It further highlights the thousand-year-old tradition of Bat Trang ceramics through an impressive display of ancient ceramic objects seemingly “discovered” deep beneath the earth.
Going beyond the display of artefacts, “Tinh hoa hoi tu” aims to offer a more interactive approach to heritage. Visitors have the opportunity to meet artisans, watch craft demonstrations, learn about traditional techniques, and try their hand at weaving, embroidery, and ceramic modelling. They can also enjoy tea and experience the distinctive beauty of Ha Noi’s cultural life. In this way, the gap between audiences and creators is narrowed, turning each experience into an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the value of traditional craftsmanship.
Through “Tinh hoa hoi tu”, the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ha Noi Old Quarter Management Board hopes to further promote the role of the Hoan Kiem Lake area and Ha Noi Old Quarter as spaces for connecting, introducing, and disseminating cultural values. The programme also seeks to foster community pride and awareness of the importance of preserving heritage, while breathing new life into traditional crafts and creating greater momentum for the development of distinctive cultural and tourism products that reflect the identity of the capital.
