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Hung Yen, a fertile land nestled in the Red River Delta, is not only famous for its lush green rice fields but also for being the cradle of many traditional craft villages. From the fragrant incense of Cao Thon and the resonant hammering sounds of Long Thuong, to the sweet longan fruit and exquisite jewelry of Hue Lai, each craft village contributes to the diverse cultural tapestry of this region.
And in particular, we cannot fail to mention Ong Hao village, one of the most famous villages in the country for making Mid-Autumn Festival toys. Every time the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the entire village seems to put on a new coat of vibrant colors. From the skillful hands of the villagers, lifeless pieces of papier-mâché are transformed into lively works of art, bringing joy to children across the country.
Ong Hao Village - one of the most famous villages in the country specializing in making Mid-Autumn Festival toys.
Photographer Nguyen Hong Son (currently living and working in Hanoi) is inspiring the community with his stunning photographs of Vietnamese craft villages. Through his lens, the simple, authentic beauty of these villages is vividly recreated, evoking a sense of national pride in each of us.
Having the opportunity to visit Ong Hao village near the Mid-Autumn Festival, Nguyen Hong Son shared: “I visited and chatted with a skilled craftsman, and he shared a lot about his work. He said that his profession is to bring joy to children. The working atmosphere in the village is very cheerful, with the participation of many age groups, from young people to middle-aged adults. Everyone is very welcoming to visitors and they enthusiastically guide me to try one of the steps in the process.”
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the entire village seems to put on a new coat of vibrant colors.
Touching the memories of childhood
Although only a handful of households, perhaps 6-7, still make papier-mâché masks, remain, the craft's flame is still being preserved and rekindled by the artisans here. They act as gatekeepers, connecting the past and present, safeguarding a beautiful traditional cultural aspect. Each mask created embodies the dedication and skillful hands of the artisan, contributing to the unique character of this craft village.
The process of drying the mask on a cement mold.
Unlike mass-produced toys, each product from Ong Hao village possesses its own unique character. From slender bamboo stalks, the skillful hands of the villagers create shimmering star-shaped lanterns and intricately crafted revolving lanterns. Carefully selected wood and buffalo hide are used to create resonant drums, while seemingly useless scraps of newspaper are transformed into vibrant papier-mâché masks. Even the glue used is made from natural materials, ensuring safety for users.
To create these lifelike masks, the artisans created unique molds for each character. From the mischievous face of the clown to the long ears of the rabbit, each mold has its own distinctive features. Tiny pieces of paper are skillfully glued together, creating a sturdy shell for the face. After drying, the artisans meticulously paint and breathe life into each brushstroke, making the masks appear incredibly realistic.
Layers of paint are applied continuously, one after another, until the desired finish is achieved.
The coloring process is when these lifeless papier-mâché masks suddenly come to life. Each brushstroke is applied to the mask meticulously and patiently. To ensure the colors are vibrant and long-lasting, the artisans must wait for each layer to dry completely before applying the next. With each layer of paint, the mask gradually becomes complete and shimmering with color.
Through the skillful hands of the artisans of Ong Hao village, scraps of paper gradually come to life, creating humorous faces or familiar figures from everyday life. Each mask carries a touch of rustic charm and playfulness, making viewers burst into laughter. These papier-mâché masks are not just toys but unique works of art, deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.
Every brushstroke was painted with passion.
Preserving the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival in the heart of modernity.
From the beginning of July, Ong Hao village has been bustling like a Tet market. Every household and every person is busy making papier-mâché masks. The sounds of hammers and paper cutting blend together to create a joyful symphony. Children in the village eagerly await the day they can transform into their favorite characters, while adults work diligently to meet market demand.
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the village returns to its normal rhythm of life, but the artisans of Ong Hao village do not rest. They begin preparing materials for the next year's toy-making season. The mask molds are carefully crafted, and the drums are meticulously carved. Year after year, the village continues to maintain its unique traditions.
Since the beginning of July, Ong Hao village has been bustling like a Tet market.
These products are not only popular in domestic provinces and cities such as Hai Phong, Hanoi, Nam Dinh, and Da Nang, but many tourists also visit the workshops to experience them firsthand. With affordable prices ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 VND, the papier-mâché masks from Ong Hao village have become meaningful gifts for every Mid-Autumn Festival.
The return of traditional toys such as papier-mâché masks, drums, and star-shaped lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival is a welcome sign. This not only helps children better understand their national culture but also provides a great motivation for artisans in Ong Hao village to continue preserving and developing their traditional toy-making craft. Thanks to the love of parents and the attention of society, these papier-mâché masks and drums, with their vibrant sounds, are not just toys but also bridges between generations, bringing joy to children and pride to the artisans.
Ong Hao village continues to preserve and develop the traditional toy-making craft.
