The event, organized by the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, features displays and hands-on cultural experiences. The highlight of the exhibition is an installation space called “Wharf of the Old Hanoi Trading Quarter”, with a boat motif and an artwork comprising 200 ceramic, bamboo, and wooden fish sculptures.
The installation evokes images of boats carrying local specialties to the former imperial capital of Thang Long.
Nguyen Manh Duc, a cultural researcher and artist who took part in designing and decorating the exhibition space, said: “We want to tell the stories of Vietnam’s traditional craft villages and give the public a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage. We hope that visitors will appreciate the craftsmanship, aesthetic appeal, and practical value of these traditional products.”
“At the same time, the exhibition gives the artisans an opportunity to engage with the public and gain a better understanding of domestic consumer preferences,” added Mr Duc.
Visitors can talk to the artisans, watch live demonstrations, and try their own hand at the crafting techniques. The “Convergence of Quintessence” program will run until January 3 at the Ho Guom Cultural Information Center at 2 Le Thai To street, Hanoi.
