The Gentle Flame of Heritage - An Autumn Journey to Phú Bình lantern village.
There are places in Saigon where time seems to slow its relentless pace, retreating into quiet alleys and the gentle clatter of handcrafted traditions.
This autumn, our journey led us to the historic Phú Bình lantern village in Tân Phú District, Hồ Chí Minh City. Once bustling with the vibrant preparations of every Mid-Autumn festival, the village now houses only a handful of families who quietly stand guard over a fading craft.
Sitting amidst stacks of split bamboo strips, vibrant cellophane sheets, and jars of paints, we had the privilege of conversing with artisan Nguyễn Trọng Thành. Listening to his stories of family legacies passed down through generations and a lifelong devotion to a craft that predates modern times, we were deeply moved.
He shared nostalgic memories of his childhood, wrapped in the rustic scents of bamboo and glue, and how he was originally inspired by his parents to love the craft. Yet, like many youths, there was a time when he walked away from the village, unable yet to fully grasp the profound weight and soul of traditional handiwork. Only with the passing of years and the quiet wisdom of age did he realize its true value, choosing to return, pick up the bamboo strips once more, and carry forward his family’s legacy.
Vibrant paint palettes
Artisan Nguyễn Trọng Thành painting lantern
Though the village is now home to fewer households, with many having transitioned to other trades or modern careers, a quiet spirit of solidarity keeps the craft breathing. The remaining families no longer operate as isolated makers; instead, they gently share the workload among themselves. While some specialize in shaping the delicate bamboo frames, others step in to assist with pasting the colorful cellophane.
It is a loose, communal rhythm built on mutual support rather than strict division, a fragile yet enduring bond that keeps the heartbeat of Phú Bình alive.
The cellophane-pasting step is shared with nearby households for processing
In a world racing toward hyper-modernity, their unwavering dedication serves as a poignant reminder of what it means to truly preserve a soul.
This quiet resilience became the emotional heartbeat behind our latest Autumn Collection, "Đoàn Viên" (The Reunion).
Witnessing how they cherish the soul of the "reconnection-season" with absolute sincerity filled us with profound respect. It mirrors our own 10-year journey of honoring and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
A lantern’s light eventually fades after the full moon, but the flame of heritage, nurtured by hands that refuse to let go, burns enduringly through time.
Cherishing the quiet notes of our national heritage, especially the long-standing art of Vietnamese handmade lanterns, Through our journey and our threads, we hope this gentle flame will forever be preserved and passed down through every peaceful season of reunion of Vietnam.