In recent years, activities associated with traditional culture have increasingly attracted the attention of young people. From folk-inspired art programmes to interactive exhibitions, many Vietnamese cultural values are being revitalised and brought into modern life through more vivid and engaging forms.
However, despite being a highly sophisticated craft with longstanding aesthetic and cultural value, mother-of-pearl inlay remains relatively unfamiliar to much of the public. Humble materials are processed, cut, and assembled through meticulous stages, combining folk ingenuity and skilful craftsmanship to create intricate patterns on wooden objects, decorative paintings, and household items.
Recognising this reality, a group of students from the Faculty of Public Relations and Advertising at the Academy of Journalism and Communication launched the “Thuy Sac Van Trai” project to provide audiences with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the art of mother-of-pearl inlay through exhibitions and hands-on experiences. Beyond showcasing products, the project also helps participants explore the cultural and historical values preserved within the craft.
During the implementation process, members of the organising committee conducted field research in Chuon Ngo Craft Village in Chuyen My Commune, one of Ha Noi’s most renowned centres for mother-of-pearl inlay. There, the group observed production processes first-hand, learned about the daily lives of artisans, and listened to stories reflecting their long-standing attachment to the craft.
Sharing his thoughts on the profession, artisan Nguyen Dinh Hai, who has devoted nearly three decades to the Chuon Ngo mother-of-pearl craft, said the most important factors are not only skill but also perseverance and passion for the work.
“Mother-of-pearl inlay requires a great deal of time and meticulous attention. Some products take many days to complete. We hope that more young people will become interested so that the craft can continue to be preserved and developed,” artisan Nguyen Dinh Hai shared.
Drawing from these experiences, the project team has created an exhibition space aimed at introducing the beauty and value of mother-of-pearl inlay to both domestic and international audiences. A wide range of products featuring different designs, motifs, and functions will be displayed at the event, from traditional items to modern creations suited to contemporary aesthetic and practical needs. This diversity demonstrates the versatility of mother-of-pearl materials in everyday life, while also showing how this long-standing handicraft is being preserved and renewed to retain relevance in contemporary society.
At the “Thuy Sac Van Trai” event, the creative workshop is expected to be a highlight attracting considerable public interest. Under the guidance of artisans, participants will have the opportunity to practise several basic stages of the crafting process, from material preparation to product completion. The hands-on experience allows visitors to better appreciate the precision, patience, and meticulousness required of artisans in every stage of the work.
According to Minh Ngọc, Head of the Organising Committee, direct participation helps visitors gain a clearer understanding of the sophistication, precision, and patience artisans must maintain in every small detail. Interactive activities of this kind are increasingly becoming an effective way to bring cultural heritage closer to younger generations, rather than limiting engagement to conventional displays or introductions.
In the coming period, the organisers said they would continue expanding activities introducing the mother-of-pearl craft, while also developing additional communication initiatives to bring traditional handicrafts closer to the community, especially young people, as they play an important role in preserving and promoting national cultural values.
With youthful enthusiasm, thorough preparation, and creative approaches that allow visitors to explore and experience one of Viet Nam’s unique traditional handicrafts, “Thuy Sac Van Trai” promises to be an appealing cultural destination in the capital this May.
