Hanoi artisan preserves craft of hand-carved wood stamps in Old Quarter

Mr. Toan, 70, has been making hand-carved wood stamps in Hanoi for around 40 years. (Photo: VOV)

His outlet opens every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., attracting many people who are curious about the age-old craft. (Photo: VOV)

Mr. Toan says he worked as a math teacher in Tay Ho district in the 90s, but later quit his job due to low pay. It was then when he began wood carving. (Photo: VOV)

His wood stamp outlet is a hot spot for both foreign tourists and overseas Vietnamese who love wood carving. (Photo: VOV)

Young people also enjoy exploring the craft. (Photo: VOV)

Mr. Toan says the first step to creating a wood stamp is to choose a piece of wood that is both flexible and easy to carve. The next step is to let the wood dry for a few days. (Photo: VOV)

Mr. Toan outlines the customers’ ideas before making the wood stamp. (Photo: VOV)

A lot more effort goes into making hand-carved wood stamps compared to manufactured ones, the artisan says. (Photo: VOV)

Mr. Toan says it takes from 10-20 minutes to engrave a simple pattern onto the wood, but complex ones may take an entire week. (Photo: VOV)

Patterns of flowers, animals, and many other designs are skillfully engraved onto the stamp. (Photo: VOV)

The artisan uses knives, chisels, and small rasps to fine-tune intricate patterns on a plain wood block. (Photo: VOV)

Wood stamps are meaningful gifts for families and friends. (Photo: VOV)

Mr. Toan sells a stamp for 2.90 USD regardless of the amount of detail or the length of texts. (Photo: VOV)

Young people come to learn the craft. (Photo: VOV)

Mr. Toan has spent nearly his whole life making stamps in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. (Photo: VOV)

He is trying to keep the family craft alive and is also interested in finding a successor. (Photo: VOV)

Nhu Ngoc, a young visitor to the outlet, says she learns of Mr. Toan’s shop through social media. She likes handmade products as gifts for herself and friends. (Photo: VOV)

Hanoi artisan preserves craft of hand-carved wood stamps in Old Quarter

16-08-2023 11:40

(VOVWORLD) - Pham Ngoc Toan, the owner of Phuc Loi Stamp outlet at 6 Hang Quat street in Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi is one of the last artisans that still makes hand-carved wood stamps in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.