'Breathing life' into silk flowers

In a small shop less than 10 square meters on Cha Ca Street (Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi ), artisan Mai Hanh's nimble fingers skillfully trim each petal and leaf in just a few short seconds. Her expert and decisive movements shape the flower's form. After completing each detail, she tilts her head, admiring it intently, then smooths the petals to make them appear softer and more vibrant. “To create a vibrant, soulful silk flower artwork, you have to pour your heart and soul into the flower. When I touch real flowers, I have to break each petal, examine each bud, and feel the fragrance of that flower. I have a special affection for lotus flowers. My lotus artworks are displayed respectfully on the altar of President Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and at international receptions at the Presidential Palace and the Government Office , etc.,” the female artist proudly shared.

The female artist is 73 years old, but her hands are still graceful and skillful.

More specifically, all the materials used to make the silk flowers are sourced directly from traditional Vietnamese craft villages. Artisan Mai Hanh proudly states: “You can tell just by looking at my work. Firstly, I never use dyes; I always use high-quality paints that last a long time. Secondly, I am very meticulous in my fabric selection; I never use foreign silk, but always silk from Ha Dong.” Mai Hanh's shop is like a forest of flowers blooming in all four seasons, but the most prominent is still Vietnam's national flower – the lotus. Through the skillful hands of the female artisan, the lotus flower possesses a pure beauty, complete with pistil, stamen, and pollen. The petals are dyed in harmonious shades of white and pink, looking indistinguishable from a real flower. Speaking about her connection to the craft, Mai Hanh recounts that from a young age she learned a great deal from her mother, the renowned Indochinese artisan Doan Thi Thai. When talking about her mother, artisan Mai Hanh said emotionally, “When I think of silk flowers, I think of my beloved mother. In the past, my mother was taught many exquisite needlework techniques, and I learned a lot from her, especially the craft of silk flowers. When I was little, I didn't like this silk flower making at all; I only liked dancing and performing arts. But then my mother guided me and passed on the craft to me, and from then on, I became passionate about it until now.”

Thanks to her unique talent in creating silk flowers, artisan Mai Hanh has been invited to perform and teach in many countries around the world . In each place, she researches the culture and beliefs of that nation, then meticulously creates silk flowers to closely resemble the tulips of the Netherlands, the blue roses of Russia, and the flower arrangement styles of Japan… Mai Hanh's silk flower creations are always highly appreciated by international friends. She proudly shared that during a silk flower exhibition in Japan with representatives from 12 other countries, the artisans there used a small machine to press the leaves, pressing 8-12 petals at a time. But at the Vietnamese booth, Mai Hanh used only her hands and scissors to create her artwork, which made a strong impression on the organizers and international audience. “At that time, the organizers requested any type of flower, and I could draw, cut, and create it on the spot entirely by hand. That's why Vietnamese works were highly regarded by international friends. Afterwards, I received a certificate of merit from the Japanese Emperor, and I was also honored to sign my name on the flower petals and present them directly to the Emperor,” artisan Mai Hanh enthusiastically recounted.

With her many stunning floral creations, in 2016, artisan Mai Hanh was officially awarded the title of People's Artisan by the President of Vietnam for her outstanding contributions to preserving and developing traditional handicrafts. Her unique handcrafted silk flower arrangements are loved by many, earning her the nicknames "Queen of Silk Flowers" or "Hanoi's Silk Flower." Throughout her 60 years in the profession, artisan Mai Hanh has always hoped to preserve and maintain the art of silk flower carving in the future. Her children all possess artistic talent and are continuing their mother's work.