Unique Technology: Variations of Hue Enamel

In the Central region, many artisans are tirelessly pursuing unique art forms that require passion and perseverance. Although they have failed many times because of the difficult materials, they are still determined to create their own path, forming unique handicrafts and works of art.

Enamel artisan Do Huu Triet (55 years old, residing at 66 Chi Lang, Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City) once again made a strong impression on the creative world when he introduced a bronze violin with an exquisite enamel inlay surface like a painting.

"SURVEYING" WOODEN TUNE TO MAKE BRONZE TUNE

Do Huu Triet is no longer a strange name in the Hue fine arts world as his name is associated with the revival of enamel, an art that was once famous under the Nguyen Dynasty. But each enamel product he creates always bears its own mark, unique and surprising. Recently, he once again made the public admire when introducing a bronze violin with a sophisticated enamel inlay. "It is not a playfulness but is completely based on knowledge of bronze crafting techniques, enamel techniques... I do not want enamel to be confined in people's thinking that it only exists on decorative paintings of ancient temples...", Mr. Triet said.

Unique bronze violin combined with enamel art

PHOTO: HOANG SON

Unlike ordinary enamel works, Mr. Triet's violin is a musical instrument that requires a rare combination of acoustics, physics and handicrafts, to transform the instrument from a simple musical instrument into a multi-sensory work of art: listening, looking, and feeling the sophistication of Hue enamel in every line. To create this instrument, Mr. Triet had to "dissect" many wooden instruments, research the structure, shape and proportions, then convert it to bronze. Every detail from the shell, neck to the enamel panels were meticulously calculated by him to maintain the standard sound while ensuring the enamel effect is as shimmering as a stained glass painting.

The plique à jour lamp series has a classic charm.

PHOTO: HOANG SON

"After successfully making a violin-shaped table lamp using the plique à jour enamel technique (a enameling technique that creates a transparent enamel layer without the need for a metal base, creating an effect similar to stained glass), I thought: why don't I make a real violin, and then apply enamel enamel for decoration? After a long period of research, I have made four bronze violins, two of which have good sound quality but are still a bit stiff and need further improvement," said artisan Do Huu Triet. He said that, technically, there are many violins made from materials that can replace wood, so a bronze violin with standard sound quality is completely feasible. Once the acoustics are successful, combined with traditional enamel and Vietnamese symbolic motifs, this Western musical instrument will have a lot of value.

The plique à jour lamp line is a breakthrough in Hue enamel art.

PHOTO: HOANG SON

Speaking more about the art of plique à jour enameling, artisan Do Huu Triet said that since he was a child, he was fascinated by European palace scenes in movies, and was fascinated by the luxury of Tiffany lamps. Once he had mastered the enamel technique, he was determined to create a product line that was both rich in technique and imbued with the soul of Hue enamel. And the real breakthrough was the birth of the plique à jour lamp line. "In the past, enamel was only used for small items and jewelry. Today, thanks to technological improvements, I have brought it to large products, from hanging lamps to decorative surfaces of several dozen square meters," said Mr. Triet.

Enamel paintings with ancient stories are popular in the market. PHOTO: HOANG SON

POETRY FEELINGS FOR PAINTING EMBOSSED PAINTINGS

With the plique à jour technique, he combines many types of glaze: fire-sensitive glaze, "steamed" glaze (cold glaze)... All create a sparkling, transparent effect like a diamond when light shines through. The layers of inorganic and organic glass are light and safe, along with the low-temperature firing technique, preserving the beauty of light. This was previously only achieved by overlapping many layers of glass. "This direction is completely new, even China has not followed. This time, Vietnam is not following but creating," Mr. Triet proudly said. Therefore, his plique à jour lamp line is not only a decoration but also a work of art that combines light, color and "very Hue" technique.

Exquisite enamel gift boxes cost tens of millions of dong. PHOTO: HOANG SON

In his workshop, Mr. Triet always has enamel panels that can be transformed into delicate translucent lamp panels, while others can be attached to wooden frames to become unique furniture. Many young designers have come to use enamel for tabletops, chairs, paintings and decorative accessories. While the lighting system shows the expansion of materials and techniques, the painting and musical instrument projects show cultural depth. For example, he and his colleagues recently surprised researchers, scholars and the public with a set of Kieu paintings in enamel.

"The set of 20 paintings, based on the black and white illustrations by artist Manh Hung in the book Thuy Kieu Story , published by Ngo Tu Ha printing house ( Hanoi ) in 1925. After 1 year of production and a period of exhibition at An Dinh Palace (Hue), the set of paintings in Hanoi officially became a turning point that helped me confidently enter larger projects, such as: Luc Van Tien, Bach Dang Giang, Chinh Phu Ngam...", Mr. Triet said and added: "To make the enamel paintings have soul, I had to read a lot of documents, painstakingly research costumes, historical context, character emotions... Because painting from poetry, I have to feel the poetry, then emboss, draw flat on copper, and bake it".

Colorful silver jewelry in enamel is welcomed by the market as a "unique" item. PHOTO: HOANG SON

Artisan Do Huu Triet continues to develop classical paintings, bringing in stable profits, but his creativity has never given him a break. He cherishes bold contemporary projects, including abstract paintings in collaboration with outside artists. He said that when he has a sponsor, he can invite many famous artists, ensuring the cost of remuneration, thereby shortening the time to complete the work. Another product line from enamel that is very popular in the market is silver jewelry. The details are simplified by artisan Do Huu Triet compared to the ancient royal court model but still retain the classical features, so it is very suitable for current tastes. (continued)

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ky-nghe-doc-la-khuc-bien-tau-cua-phap-lam-hue-185251119222915353.htm