Truc Chi - the art of using pure Vietnamese paper.

Paper art has long been a traditional cultural feature of many Asian countries. While Japan has Ise Katagami – a form of hand-printed paper carving that has captivated the world, or Jiǎnzhǐ – the art of paper cutting that flourished in China since the 2nd century AD, Vietnam also has a series of paper art forms known as Trúc Chỉ. This concept was defined by writer and translator Bửu Ý in April 2012.

According to Mr. Buu Y, with bamboo as a symbol of Vietnamese culture and spirit, Truc Chi is the name of a new type of Vietnamese art paper (not just bamboo paper). Truc Chi utilizes almost all readily available fiber materials from straw, bamboo, sugarcane, banana, water hyacinth, corn, pineapple, mulberry, leaves, grass, etc.

The process of making "Bamboo Paper"

The process of making Truc Chi paper consists of two main stages. The first is the traditional paper-making process. Raw materials are soaked, boiled with lime, ground, and pounded into pulp, then "spun" into sheets of paper on a spun frame.

Next is the Truc Chi process. On a wet sheet of paper, the artist uses a water jet to alter the fiber structure, creating varying thicknesses and shapes based on pre-cut designs. This process is repeated multiple times, following the principles of metal etching and serigraphy, resulting in multiple layers of subtle shades and nuances.

Next is the Truc Chi process. On a wet sheet of paper, the artist uses a water jet to alter the fiber structure, creating varying thicknesses and shapes based on pre-cut designs. This process is repeated multiple times, following the principles of metal etching and serigraphy, resulting in multiple layers of subtle color and texture. Additionally, the artist can use the water jet as a special "paintbrush" to create intricate designs directly on the wet paper, producing unique effects.

The application of water pressure techniques based on the principles of graphic art, with the concept of creating a self-contained paper art piece, is the core element that makes Truc Chi paper unique and distinctive.

Unique cultural beauty

The defining characteristic of Truc Chi is its richness and flexibility in the expression of various types of fibers, and the subtle nuances of color and texture that Truc Chi Art brings, varying in thickness and layering. This is especially true when interacting with light.

The surface effect is that under direct light, thicker areas will appear brighter, while thinner areas will appear darker. With the translucent effect, the opposite is true: thicker areas will appear darker, and thinner areas will appear brighter. This flexibility is what attracts and inspires viewers and creators alike, and it also demonstrates the ability to participate in and engage in the visual arts in a formal and respectable way.

Truc Chi paper can be a work of art in itself, imbued with a strong graphic language; on the other hand, Truc Chi is also ready to "dialogue" with the visual signals placed upon it. Furthermore, Truc Chi fully meets the diverse and specific requirements of applied art in various fields such as product design, interior and exterior design, clothing, fashion, jewelry… Especially when combined with traditional craft villages to create unique works of art.

Truc Chi paper not only possesses artistic and visual qualities but also has practical applications. While Truc Chi itself is a work of art, it can be combined with other techniques and materials (handprinting, painting, lighting, etc.) or with traditional crafts such as embroidery, weaving, and hat making to create aesthetically perfect and uniquely one-of-a-kind works.

Additional information

Currently, Truc Chi Garden is one of the most widely known Truc Chi paper craft brands in Vietnam. Located at 5 Thach Han Street (Hue), with over 15 local artisans, Truc Chi Garden's products combine the art of Truc Chi paper with the traditional culture of the ancient capital city.

Therma (Photo: Tran Tuan Viet)