The story of a glass blowing craftsman

On the dike road along the riverbank in Giap Long Village, Thong Nhat Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi, we were introduced to the house of Mr. Ho Van Gung who has dedicated his whole life to keeping the traditional glass blowing craft alive.

At his glass factory, Mr. Ho Van Gung (72 years old), who has been with the glass industry for more than 40 years, is producing hot batches of kerosene lamps.
At his glass factory, Mr. Ho Van Gung (72 years old), who has been with the glass industry for more than 40 years, is producing hot batches of kerosene lamps.

The story of a glass blowing craftsman ảnh 1

Previously, he worked at the glass syringe blowing factory of the Ministry of Health. After a period of working in the profession, with his creativity and will, in the early 1970s, he had the desire to bring the glass-blowing profession to the people in his hometown.

The story of a glass blowing craftsman ảnh 2

Since then, with used light bulbs, once again, Gung has guided people on how to blow them into household objects.

The story of a glass blowing craftsman ảnh 3

This work requires meticulousness and the patience of a craftsmen. A skilled craftsman must know the distinction between different types of glass, as well as feeling the temperature of the flame and controlling his breathing to create the desired glass shape. The apprenticeship process takes at least 2 years.

The story of a glass blowing craftsman ảnh 4

To make these lampshades, Gung and other craftsmen have to work in harsh conditions next to a torch with a very high temperature of about 800 degrees Celsius, and for some imported glass, the necessary temperature must be above 1,000 degrees Celsius.

The story of a glass blowing craftsman ảnh 5

At first, the glass tubes are cut into small pieces under a hot flame.

The story of a glass blowing craftsman ảnh 6

Then, Gung blows and uses his hands to rotate the shapes of the glass pieces according to each idea. Perhaps that's why, the old worker also jokingly called this job is like "selling breath".

The story of a glass blowing craftsman ảnh 7

"It is better during the cold season, the hot season is more uncomfortable as you have to work continuously with the burning fire", Gung shared. Working for a while, the craftsmen need to rest, because the high heat causes a significant impact on the eyes while the skin feels dry.

The story of a glass blowing craftsman ảnh 8

Although he is over 70 years old and has to work hard, Gung still tries every day to keep his workshop operating. He believes it is extremely important to keep the profession alive and pass it on to the younger generation.