Traditional star, fish, and crab lanterns instantly evoke cherished Mid-Autumn Festival memories for multiple generations of Vietnamese people.
"Cua Na", a team of culture enthusiasts, brought to the exhibition a collection of Mid-Autumn lanterns based on traditional designs, including Sun-and-Moon lanterns, scroll lanterns, lanterns shaped like crabs and shrimps, and revolving lanterns. They were made using the same techniques old artisans used. These lanterns, which may seem like toys at first glance, carry parents' hopes for their children's growth.
Cua Na's founder, Trinh Van Khue said: "The crab-shaped lantern has a bamboo frame, which is then covered with "do" (poonah) paper. This design has existed for a long time. I found a lot of photographs and documents left by the French about Mid-Autumn Festivals in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, around 100 years ago. We spent up to three weeks on a lantern, researching, selecting the right materials for putting everything together, not to mention the time spent learning the techniques to make them."
Thong Dong is another team participating at the exhibition, with a collection of animal figurines inspired by Vietnam's ancient art. On display are the white, red, black, and iron horses, alongside black and white elephants. To develop the horses' designs, artist Nam Chi said he and his team drew inspirations from the architectural style of Vietnam's communal houses and took some elements from folk beliefs and traditional handicrafts.
"It is not only older and middle-aged individuals but also Gen Z members who show interests in our products. They want to learn more about and buy our products, which I think show that many people have come to appreciate traditional values. These values represent our culture and soul," he added.
The Annam brought to the “Retaining the Moon” exhibition a different type of Mid-Autumn toys - those that were once used in festivals and royal courts in the old days. To create the ceremonial parasols, paper scholar figurines, or feather fans, the team carefully researched traditional arts and designed them so that children can play with and use them in games.
Nguyen Duc Anh, a member of "The Annam", said: "Not many Gen Zers know about the paper scholar figurines. That's why I want to reintroduce this toy and bring it closer to young people. In the old days, the paper scholar figurines embody parents' wish for the children to study well and earn their places in society. Vietnamese people have always placed great importance on education."
Another highlight at the exhibition is a big five-fruit tray measuring 1.5 meters in diameter. The tray was made from bamboo, rattan and covered with colored paper. Thanks to its size, the familiar Mid-Autumn tray has been a major attraction.
For many visitors, like Ms. Nguyen Thanh Thao from Hanoi, the exhibition is a chance to go back to their childhood. "I grew up in Hang Ma Street, Hanoi. I see new designs for the Mid-Autumn lanterns every year. But I have come to miss the old designs I saw as a kid. I'm really glad to see those designs again and I think recreating old lanterns really help connect the younger generations with traditional cultures," Ms. Thao said.
Mr. Phan Nguyen Hung is a visitor from Cho Lon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. He told VOV, "The displays are very beautiful and help connect visitors with the past. The artworks here, like this image of the carp transforming into a dragon on the lanterns, provide a more visual and effective way to educate children. They can play with the lanterns and naturally learn new things."
