Quat Dong, renowned for its picturesque landscape embroidery, featuring scenes like banyan trees, river wharfs, and iconic landmarks such as the One Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple, Hong Thai Communal House, and Hue Imperial City, requires months of meticulous work from its skilled artisans. Among its celebrated craftsmen is Master Bui Le Kinh, once the embroiderer of royal garments for King Bao Dai and Queen Nam Phuong. Presently, the sole holder of the title People’s Artisan is Mr. Thai Van Bon, recognized for his expertise in embroidering portraits of state leaders, with his international acclaim reaching even the Thai King.
Since the 17th century, Quat Dong's embroidery tradition has spread nationwide, establishing Hanh as a master in Vietnamese embroidery. The village pays homage to its craft's master through a temple, constructed over 200 years ago, housing precious artifacts like steles and an ancient incense burner. On the 12th day of the sixth lunar month each year, a commemoration for Master Le Cong Hanh takes place, drawing villagers and artisans from across the nation to offer incense in remembrance. Quat Dong's elders reminisce about the thriving days when its embroidery products garnered acclaim throughout Vietnam. Bui Thi Hanh, a seasoned embroiderer, emphasizes that the village remains deeply connected to its traditional craft.
Situated in Thuong Tin district, approximately 25 kilometers south of Hanoi, Quat Dong embroidery craft village stands as the birthplace of embroidery in Vietnam, with its brand name resonating across the northern region and the entire country. The village's enduring reputation has spanned centuries, dating back to the 17th century. Traveling along the former National Highway 1A, about 25 kilometers south of Hanoi, the first signs of Quat Dong embroidery craft village become evident – window shops proudly displaying exquisite embroidery. Quat Dong, located in Quat Dong Commune, Thuong Tin District, remains the heartland of Vietnam's traditional hand embroidery.
Quat Dong has preserved the quintessential traits of northern villages over centuries. Beneath the ancient banyan tree at the village's entrance lies a shrine venerating the village god, accompanied by a temple dedicated to Le Cong Hanh, celebrated as the master of Vietnamese embroidery factory.
The temple's epitaph recounts the life of Dr. Le Cong Hanh, also known as Bui Cong Hanh, a native of Quat Dong village who lived during the late Tran Dynasty and early Le Dynasty in the 14th century. Serving as an envoy to China for King Le Chan Tong, Hanh acquired a new embroidery technique, which he later imparted to the villagers upon his return to Vietnam.
Reflecting on his experiences, Hanh shared, "I began learning embroidery at the tender age of 8. Children in the village are taught embroidery at 7 or 8 years old, ensuring the preservation of our ancestors' profession. Initially, we crafted only two types of products: silver lame embroideries and stumpwork. However, the younger generation has surpassed us in skill. In the 1990s, Quat Dong boasted numerous embroidery workshops, each with 200 to 500 workers. With the shift to a market economy in Vietnam, the craft experienced a decline. Today, each household has at least two or three individuals practicing the craft."
Nguyen Thi Hong's modest home is a testament to her dedication to embroidery, with the walls adorned with intricate pieces. Seated by her embroidery frame, Ms. Hong explained her journey, saying, "Initially, I specialized in embroidering bedding and shoe-caps for export to Eastern European countries. Eventually, I transitioned to embroidering pictures and now focus on traditional long dresses and fashionable clothing that demand meticulous skill in every sewing detail. While there are now numerous embroiderers in the village, professional qualification remains crucial, as some embroidery pictures require the expertise of only a select few."
