The Hue conical hat has long been a protective item against rain and sun, becoming an aesthetic symbol associated with the life and cultural space of Hue. The unique feature of the Hue conical hat lies not in its elaborate form but in its subtle and expressive style. A prime example is the "poem hat," a type of hat featuring familiar motifs such as the Truong Tien Bridge, Ngu Binh Mountain, or images of young women in ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), cleverly interwoven between layers of leaves. When viewed under light, these details gradually emerge, creating a unique visual effect and clearly showcasing the distinctive aesthetic style of the ancient capital.

Mr. Duong Van Kinh performs the steps in making Hue conical hats at the "Garden of Light" space (Temple of Literature - National University, Hanoi ).

Bringing the spirit of a traditional craft village to a contemporary art space, Mr. Duong Van Kinh introduces a new approach to conical hats. His booth also features applied products such as decorative lamps, accessories, and decor items, contributing to expanding the functionality and value of conical hats in modern life. This combination demonstrates an effort to revitalize the product based on tradition, meeting the increasingly diverse needs of the market.

While introducing the products to visitors, Mr. Kinh shared: "We display conical hats with the hope that more people will understand this traditional craft. Each hat is handcrafted, going through many stages, so seeing people interested and appreciative makes me very proud."

The remarkable aspect of Hue conical hats lies in their materials and craftsmanship. Besides familiar types of leaves, artisans also use sedge grass—a natural material associated with the lagoon area—to create products with high durability and aesthetic appeal. After harvesting, the sedge grass undergoes several processes such as drying, flattening, drying, and moisture-proofing treatment before being woven. This process requires precision and experience, as even a small deviation can affect the quality of the finished product.

From material preparation to completion, each hat is the result of meticulous labor. The craftsman must perform the steps of constructing the frame, layering, and hand-sewing the hat with high precision. Then, depending on the needs, the product can be kept in its natural color or decorated with additional patterns. It is this handcrafted process in each stage that creates the difference, giving each product its own unique character.

The Hue conical hat booth attracted quite a few young people. Nguyen My, 20 years old, a student at the University of Industrial Fine Arts, said: “I noticed that the conical hats on display were accompanied by other applied products such as lamps and keychains in the shape of cones. This diversifies the products and makes it easier for young people like me to access traditional cultural values.”

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/cho-hon-non-la-hue-ve-thu-do-1035676