Recognized as a national-level architectural and artistic heritage site by the Ministry of Culture in 2013, Kim Ngan Temple (42-44 Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi ) is a valuable source of information and evidence for research into the formation of a street, a craft street, and a craft village in Thang Long Imperial City. The project, "Kim Ngan Temple's Storytelling Space," focuses on the use of endemic patterns to tell the story of the craft. The project includes a synchronized architectural language, signage, and furnishings, using endemic patterns as a focal point; initially shaping the architecture and landscape, synchronizing and using endemic patterns as a highlight for Kim Ngan Temple's identity, and organizing functional spaces to reflect the depth of traditional crafts.
Kim Ngan Temple is the ideal place to tell the vivid story of a guild of craftsmen in the heart of the ancient city. The temple courtyard – a space for craftsmanship – is where demonstrations and sharing of craft knowledge take place.
The village gate – the starting point of the "Apprenticeship - Entry into the Profession" journey for apprentices in the past.
The project adopts a multi-dimensional approach, placing the authenticity of heritage at its center. Architectural language, signage, and furnishings are synchronized, using distinctive patterns as accents, in order to adhere to the solemn and professional spirit of the 19th century.
The project goes beyond simply preserving the heritage form; it aims to activate the living cultural value of Kim Ngan Temple through Vietnamese painting and contemporary art.
This cultural space symbolizes the flourishing of the craft. It is a profound resting place, allowing us to contemplate the spiritual values, pride, and tradition of "respecting the ancestors and valuing the craft."
The exhibition area displays the unique patterns of Kim Ngan Temple after they have been researched and classified.
Artisan Quách Tuấn Anh from Định Công silver crafting village shared insights into the essence of traditional jewelry making, including the techniques of casting, engraving, and finishing exquisite silver products, while emphasizing the cultural value, meticulousness, and dedication of the craftsmen.
A quintessential work of Hang Bac ward, combining traditional techniques with the personal touch of the artisan. The exhibition space at Kim Ngan Temple allows visitors to admire the exquisite beauty while also understanding the spiritual value and traditions of Thang Long's silver craft.
The cultural space at Kim Ngan Temple symbolizes the flourishing of the goldsmithing craft. Here, artisans share stories of their profession and display their masterpieces. This space is a profound stop, allowing visitors to contemplate the spiritual values, pride, and tradition of "respecting the ancestors and valuing the craft."
The masterpiece is displayed in the "Art" space of Kim Ngan Temple. The striking patterns and harmonious composition recreate the exquisite craftsmanship and distinctive aesthetic beauty of traditional goldsmithing.
The 19th century marked the architectural perfection of Kim Ngan communal house, preserving its core functions: ancestral worship, meeting places, silver casting, and currency exchange. This was the peak period for Hang Bac ward, when the "art of craftsmanship" was not only present in each silver-engraved product but also permeated the lifestyle, professional discipline, and ethics of the craftsmen.
The artworks displayed in the "Art" space of Kim Ngan Temple combine traditional techniques with the personal touch of the artisans. Each detail is handcrafted, recreating the aesthetic beauty and spiritual value of the ancient goldsmithing craft.
The hammering technique – one of the most exquisite stages of traditional goldsmithing. Each gentle yet precise hammer blow creates raised patterns on the surface, showcasing the skill and dedication of the craftsman. This activity not only recreates ancient techniques but also allows visitors to directly experience the journey of "honing the craft into an art" at Kim Ngan Temple.
Artisan Dinh Quang Thang from Dong Xam silver engraving village demonstrates the village's techniques, shares stories about the craft, and bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.
Architect Bui Tien - from Boi An Design JSC, is the project leader for the "Kim Ngan Temple Storytelling Space" project, "From Unique Patterns - Telling the Story of the Art of Craftsmanship." He shared: "We want this space to become a true journey of learning a craft — where viewers can feel the transformation from 'No Craftsman' - a beginner, to 'Introduction,' then 'Skillful Practice,' and 'Breaking the Mold,' before reaching the final goal of 'Mastering the Art.'"
Mr. Nguyen Van Ninh, from Kieu Ky village, demonstrates the traditional silver-leafing technique in the experiential space of Kim Ngan communal house. This is one of the characteristic operations of the ancient goldsmithing craft, performed live to help visitors better understand the process of "honing the craft into an art."
Kieu Ky craft village is the cradle of traditional gold and silver gilding techniques, still preserving many exquisite handcrafted processes. This craft, over 300 years old, contributed to the skilled workforce of artisans for the ancient Thang Long craft district and continues to be preserved through generations of young craftsmen.
Visitors are encouraged to interact and role-play, directly participating in basic craft activities under the guidance of artisans – so that the heritage is not only seen, but comes alive in the present.
Visitors at the "Kim Ngan Temple Storytelling Space," from the unique patterns to the story of Nghe script.
Based on the unique patterns of Kim Ngan Temple, the team conducted research, adapted, and transformed them into new creative materials – applied in paintings, pillows, fabrics, and art exhibition spaces.
At Kim Ngan Temple, there is also an exhibition of handicrafts from Do Hai Horn Craft Village, a long-standing tradition of crafting products from buffalo and cow horns. The village artisans create hundreds of products, ranging from everyday items like combs, horsehair combs, and hairpins, to exquisite works of art deeply rooted in folk culture.
The Do Hai horn handicraft is considered a traditional art heritage, preserving tradition while also embracing innovation to access the international market.
The project goes beyond simply preserving the heritage form; it aims to activate the living cultural value of Kim Ngan Temple through Vietnamese painting and contemporary art.
Visitors can also experience the traditional woodblock carving and printing craft of Thanh Lieu at Kim Ngan communal house. Each step of carving and printing on the woodblocks is done meticulously, recreating the traditional technique.
The craft of woodblock printing is extremely elaborate and meticulous, from the wood selection stage to the finished product. To make a single woodblock, an artisan must go through about 30 steps, from selecting the wood, soaking it, sawing it, cutting, planing, and flattening it… before carving and printing. The woodblock carvers of Lieu Trang and Thanh Lieu have been responsible for carving and printing massive national books, such as the Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu (Complete History of Dai Viet) – a crucial historical work of the nation.
The "Kim Ngan Temple Storytelling Space" on Hang Bac Street is expected to become a model to be replicated at other historical sites in Hanoi's Old Quarter. The project aims to synchronize cultural heritage spaces, combining exhibitions, experiences of traditional crafts, and cultural, tourism , and commercial products, with a focus on sustainable tourism development. The program runs until December 15, 2025, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the journey of "honing skills to become an artist" right at Kim Ngan Temple.
Source: https://vov.gov.vn/khong-gian-ke-chuyen-dinh-kim-ngan-danh-thuc-ky-uc-phuong-nghe-pho-co-ha-noi-dtnew-1128933
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