The masterpiece lantern Hon thieng dat Viet - The Sacred Soul of Vietnam by the Hoi An Craft team has won first place in the International Lantern Design Competition, bringing pride to Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Created by eight talented artisans from Hoi An, the piece previously set the record for the largest lantern cluster in Vietnam. It embodies the nation’s spirit and pride while showcasing the ingenuity of traditional Vietnamese lantern-making.

A symbol of Vietnamese pride

Vo Hoang, a member of the Hoi An Craft team born in 1984, revealed that the creation of Hon thieng dat Viet took three months. While lanterns are traditionally made from materials such as fabric, cellophane, mica, or Japanese and Korean papers, the Hoi An team innovated by using locally sourced paper made from nipa palm trees native to Cam Thanh, Hoi An.

According to Hoang, the team spent five years researching eco-friendly paper production to replace traditional fabrics for lantern-making. The new material, handcrafted by a team of four paper artisans, represents a sustainable alternative that leverages local resources.

“Our lanterns are 100% handmade, from the materials to the final design,” Hoang emphasized.

Crafting nipa palm paper is an intricate process, with every sheet requiring meticulous manual labor. Unlike conventional painting, where color gradients are achieved using paint or pencil, nipa palm paper relies on water pressure to create shading effects, resulting in exquisite textures.

The paper is produced in limited quantities. While a skilled worker can make 40 sheets of regular paper per day, only five sheets of nipa palm paper, each measuring 1.5 square meters, can be completed daily. For Hon thieng dat Viet, 10 sheets of paper, each 1.2 by 0.9 meters, were used to create a series of intricate artistic panels.

A beacon of tradition and innovation

Ngoc Anh, a young visitor from Hanoi, expressed admiration after experiencing the 2-kilometer-long lantern display at the Ocean International Lantern Festival. “Hon thieng dat Viet has a unique beauty. It captivates not only at night when illuminated but also during the day, showcasing the artistic details on the paper. It’s amazing to see such creativity from Vietnamese artisans, rivaling teams from countries with centuries-old lantern-making traditions.”

She added, “I hope this masterpiece will be introduced to international audiences, allowing the world to appreciate Vietnam’s unique traditional artistry.”

Preserving the radiant art of lantern-making

Despite graduating in Refrigeration Engineering from the University of Technology in Da Nang, Vo Hoang pursued his passion for lantern-making. Driven by a desire to preserve traditional art in modern life, he has dedicated years to this craft.

“I am proud to create lanterns using innovative materials that elevate the value of traditional designs. Through our work, visitors can experience the mystical and dazzling beauty of Vietnam’s lantern art,” Hoang shared. He hopes that Vietnamese handicrafts will continue to thrive and showcase the unparalleled skills of local artisans, contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

Young Soo Seo, Chairman of the Jinju Cultural and Arts Association in South Korea, praised the work of Vietnamese artisans: “These creations provide deeper insights into Vietnam’s culture and traditions. I believe the future of Vietnamese lantern art is promising and will continue to flourish.”

Currently, Hon thieng dat Viet is on display at the Ocean International Lantern Festival in Ocean City, where visitors can marvel at its beauty until March 6.

Tinh Le