The essence of Dai Bai bronze in the heritage region of Bac Ninh.

NDO - Within the framework of the "Essence of Bac Ninh Culture - The Colors of Dong Ho" event held in Hanoi, Dai Bai bronze casting village once again affirmed its position in the Kinh Bac cultural heritage space. The exquisite, sparkling bronze products, deeply imprinted with tradition, not only showcase skillful craftsmanship but also reflect the cultural depth of a heritage that has existed for 10 centuries.

Báo Nhân dân•31/03/2025

Dai Bai village (Gia Binh district, Bac Ninh province) has long been famous as the cradle of bronze casting in the Northern region, a craft that emerged around the beginning of the 11th century, with a rich history of 1,000 years, closely associated with the contributions of the founder of the craft, Nguyen Cong Truyen.

Despite numerous ups and downs, Dai Bai copper still retains its traditional beauty today, while constantly changing, adapting to the market, and developing in the new era.

At the event "The Quintessence of Bac Ninh Culture - The Colors of Dong Ho," held on March 29-30 on the Ho Guom pedestrian street ( Hanoi ), bronze artisans from Dai Bai village introduced to the Hanoi public many unique bronze products such as horizontal plaques, couplets, incense burners, bronze cauldrons, statues, and a series of exquisite art objects.

Nguyen Xuan Nam (38 years old), from Dai Bai bronze casting village (Gia Binh, Bac Ninh), who has dedicated 18 years to the craft, shared: "Bronze casting not only requires high technical skills but also perseverance, meticulousness, and passion. Each finished product is the culmination of hard work and dedication."

Thanks to the active support from the Bac Ninh provincial government, he and other artisans in the village have had the opportunity to participate in many cultural events, thereby promoting the essence of Dai Bai bronze, expanding the market, and taking the village's craft brand further.

In the vibrant tapestry of Kinh Bac culture, Dai Bai bronze shines like a gem polished over centuries. While Dong Ho paintings captivate with their simple brushstrokes and rustic, countryside colors, Dai Bai bronze conquers with its enduring, timeless beauty. Different in materials and techniques, both share a common mission: preserving the national spirit and spreading the Vietnamese essence.

The essence of Dai Bai bronze is expressed through two key elements: masterful casting techniques and exquisite carving artistry.

The artisans not only use pure copper but also blend alloys according to their own secret recipes to create unique shades and ensure durability. Against the shimmering copper background, graceful dragon and phoenix motifs, majestic images of Dong Son bronze drums, or peaceful village scenes are brought to life vividly, demonstrating the skillful hands and boundless creativity of the craftsmen here.

The essence of Dai Bai bronze in the heritage region of Bac Ninh (photo 2)

Visitors had the opportunity to admire and experience the essence of Dai Bai bronze casting at the exhibition booths during the "Essence of Bac Ninh Culture - Colors of Dong Ho" event. (Photo: The Duong)

To create a finished product, the craftsman must go through a multi-stage process: creating the model, casting the mold, melting the raw materials, pouring the mold, shaping, and meticulously carving. Each step requires absolute precision and experience accumulated over many years. It is precisely because of this rigorous process that each Dai Bai bronze product is not only a high-end item but also an embodiment of Vietnamese culture, passed down from generation to generation as an endless source of pride.

Beyond being just everyday objects, Dai Bai bronze has transformed into masterpieces of art. The artisans continuously innovate, creating exquisite bronze statues, vibrant reliefs, majestic religious artifacts, and unique feng shui paintings. Each piece is imbued with the Vietnamese spirit, a culmination of traditional techniques and boundless creativity.

With 300 cooperatives and businesses, and 350 households engaged in the craft (at its peak, this number reached over 600 cooperatives and businesses and nearly 700 households across all five hamlets, each specializing in a different product), Dai Bai is asserting its position as a leading craft village in Bac Ninh province. Notably, 15 large, efficiently operating businesses have brought their products to the world market, reaching countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the EU.

In the face of integration, Dai Bai is writing its own story of preserving its identity in the era of globalization. The craft village steadfastly maintains its traditions – from unique bronze casting techniques to patterns deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture – while continuously innovating to adapt to the international market. Cultural events like "The Quintessence of Bac Ninh" serve as a bridge, allowing Dai Bai bronze to shine and affirm its position as a living heritage amidst the modern flow.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tinh-hoa-dong-dai-bai-giua-mien-di-san-bac-ninh-post868811.html