Traditional toy work wins Hanoi Craft Village Products contest

The special prize of the 2023 Hanoi Craft Village Products Contest went to To he (Vietnamese traditional toy made from glutinous rice) "Mid-Autumn Lantern Procession" by artist Dang Van Hau from Phuong Duc Commune, Phu Xuyen District, Hanoi.

The award ceremony of the Hanoi Craft Village Products Contest 2023. Photos: Trong Tung/The Hanoi Times

The set of 18 figurines simulates the traditional lantern procession in northern Vietnam, often held on the full moon day of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

"To he" are colorful animals or figurines made of rice powder - the traditional playthings of children during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Hanoi Craft Village Product Contest 2023 gathered 327 entries from 109 collectives, individuals, and 30 artisans from 25 districts and towns in Hanoi. The contest products are divided into five different groups, including rattan, bamboo, natural leaves; lacquer, mother-of-pearl mosaic, fine wood; ceramics and glass; textiles, embroidery, knitting, crochet; and horns, shells, stone carvings, metalwork, leather, and others.

Artisan Dang Van Hau and his award-winning handicraft To he (toy figurines).

Speaking at the award ceremony, Deputy Director of Hanoi's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Ta Van Tuong said the competition aims to honor the products of Hanoi's handicraft villages in 2023, create a playing field for talented artisans and workers, and encourage them to create local works par excellence.

"The entries in this year's competition are all creative, with new ideas and high artistic values. In particular, many works have been able to express the essence and soul of the hometown and the country," he said.

These award-winning products will be displayed at the Vietnam Craft Villages Festival for Conservation and Development 2023, which will be held at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi from November 9 to 12.

Below are some award-winning products of the 2023 Hanoi Craft Village Products Contest:

The To he work titled “Mid-Autumn Lantern Procession” by artisan Dang Van Hau from Phuong Duc Commune, Phu Xuyen District, Hanoi

Award-winning works in ceramics.

The silk scarf by artist Pham Thi Thuan

One of the award-winning wooden products in the competition.