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Infused with romance, endless charm, and a mystical fairytale aura, the Hoi An lanterns hanging throughout the ancient streets will show you a different Vietnam – a place influenced by remnants of Chinese and Japanese culture from bygone eras.
For centuries, up to the present day, the process of creating lanterns from bamboo frames and delicate brushstrokes on silk has been meticulously perfected, just as it was in the mid-17th century in this ancient trading port area. Therefore, Hoi An has always been a microcosm, preserving the essence of these famous lanterns and the artisans who created them.
The lantern-making process
As a craft requiring meticulous refinement over time with special processes, lantern production involves a "chain" of steps handled by artisans scattered throughout the town. Some households specialize in making the frames, ensuring that the spheres and cylindrical, teardrop-shaped forms are bent and curved to perfection.
Next, a second group would assemble a series of skilled craftsmen, painters, and illustrators to depict characters and elaborate images onto various types of silk coverings for the lamps. The finished products would then be sent to shopkeepers along the Thu Bon River.
Lantern maker
Ms. Nga has run her own lantern business in one of Hoi An's narrow alleys for decades. Relying on pre-made frames and painted silk, she acts like a "gatekeeper" preserving the essence and soul of Hoi An's lanterns. She seamlessly integrates all the elements into a final product, ensuring the silk is carefully cut and pasted and all accessories are added as needed.
Possessing a keen eye for spotting any flaws throughout the process or until the finished product, Ms. Nga constantly sorts the materials, even accepting rework and discarding old, unsuitable items. While much of her business has grown from mass-produced, ready-made lanterns, she also frequently creates custom designs or illustrations to ensure her lanterns are truly unique.
Teams of workers
Shop owners typically manage a team of artisans, each with their own specific tasks and responsibilities. They possess highly skilled individuals, handling intricate fabric cutting, the process of molding fabric into frames, or elaborate decorative tasks such as adding handles, lamp covers, and ribbons. Some businesses specialize in only one type of lantern, while others create a wide variety of lanterns in diverse styles and colors.
Time
Every artisan devotes as much care and time as possible to this lamp-making craft. The basic steps in lamp making are generally quite similar. However, different techniques and timelines will result in products of varying quality and quantity.
Therefore, in many cases, beginners may only be able to complete one or two lanterns a day, while more experienced people with years of practice can make up to 20 a day.
Decorative patterns
Silk lantern designs span a wide range of styles, from modest and affordable to luxurious. Therefore, lantern shop owners must arrange the lanterns according to different segments in the most eye-catching and logical way. Many silk lanterns with patterns and motifs are hung sparingly to ensure aesthetic unity and harmony in color.
