The architect of sustainable pathways for traditional craft villages.

The Quan Huong incense-making village (Hamlet 8, Thang Binh Commune) is bustling with production activities these days. In this village, which is over 200 years old, incense makers have continuously explored and innovated to create products that meet consumer demands. Among them, artisan Vo Tan Hieu always leads the village's activities, preserving traditional beauty and creating a sustainable path for the craft.

Mr. Vo Tan Hieu displays his workshop's products at a trade fair. Photo: QV

Keeping the flame of traditional crafts alive

Recently, the Vietnam Handicraft Village Association bestowed the title of Vietnamese Handicraft Village Artisan upon Mr. Vo Tan Hieu, recognizing his tireless efforts in promoting the development of Quan Huong handicraft village. Mr. Hieu shared that it is an honor, but also a responsibility, motivating him to come up with more initiatives to contribute to the handicraft village.

Mr. Hieu was born in 1954. Growing up in a traditional craft village, he developed a natural affinity for incense making. For him, incense making is not just a means of livelihood, but also the embodiment of his village memories, the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," and cultural values ​​passed down through generations.

Having dedicated his entire life to the craft, Mr. Hieu not only diligently preserves traditional incense-making techniques but also proactively innovates production thinking, improves designs, enhances product quality, expands scale, and brings Quan Huong incense products to international markets.

Artisan Vo Tan Hieu (second from the right) participates in paying respects at the ancestral temple of traditional craft villages in Quang Nam province (Dong Khuong 1 neighborhood, Dien Ban ward). Photo: QUANG VIET

In particular, he steadfastly pursued a green, clean, and environmentally friendly approach, using natural materials, saying no to harmful chemicals, and ensuring safety for both workers and consumers. Mr. Hieu's efforts have paid off, as his Quan Huong incense products have been exported to Laos and are being traded with many other Asian countries.

Mr. Hieu said that to make high-quality incense, the raw materials must be good. Even the incense sticks themselves are made from locally sourced bamboo, known for its durability and beauty. He innovated the incense-making craft by using powder from the leaves of the bời lời tree (a type of tree) combined with cinnamon and agarwood powder to make the incense sticks more cohesive, fragrant, and burn evenly until the very end.

For artisan Vo Tan Hieu, preserving the craft is not only a responsibility to his ancestors but also an obligation to the community and the future of his descendants. "If we don't preserve, innovate, and pass it on, the craft village will fade away in the future," he said.

Lead the way...

From a few small-scale production facilities, Quan Huong craft village has today become a shining example in the development of craft villages and rural economies , providing employment for hundreds of local workers, contributing to stable livelihoods, and reducing the number of young people leaving their hometowns to work elsewhere.

The Quan Huong craft village focuses on developing high-quality products. Photo: QUANG VIET

At his advanced age, Mr. Hieu's greatest concern is not profit, but whether the younger generation is still interested in the craft. He is willing to "guide them step by step," passing on techniques and experience to the youth in the village, hoping that the next generation will not only be able to practice the craft, but also practice it with integrity, with a sustainable path, and adapt to the flow of international integration.

What is admirable about Quan Huong craft village is that more and more young people are returning to their hometown to learn the craft, inspired by Mr. Hieu's passion, dedication, and creativity. This artisan has transmitted positive energy, spreading the desire to pursue the craft and contribute to the village among the younger generation. The young people of Quan Huong craft village see a future, work diligently to earn a stable income, and cultivate pride in continuing the craft passed down from their ancestors.

People's Artisan Nguyen Van Tiep, Vice President of the Vietnam Craft Village Association and Head of the Central Region Representative Office of the Vietnam Craft Village Association, believes that with his dedication, perseverance, and daring spirit, artisan Vo Tan Hieu deserves to be called the "keeper of the flame" of the Quan Huong craft village in particular and Da Nang city in general. He is a typical example for the new generation of artisans from Quang Nam province, silently preserving the craft village and maintaining national cultural identity amidst the flow of integration.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/nguoi-kien-tao-loi-di-ben-vung-cho-lang-nghe-3319948.html