Ngũ Xã Village and Its 400-Year Journey
In the heart of Hanoi, amidst the modern urban rhythm, lies an ancient craft village with over 400 years of history: the Ngũ Xã bronze casting village. Situated on a small peninsula between Trúc Bạch Lake and West Lake, in Trúc Bạch ward, Ba Đình district, Ngũ Xã has long been a cultural symbol and a highlight in the traditional handicraft landscape of ancient Thăng Long and present-day Hanoi.
Legend has it that in the 17th century, during the Lê - Trịnh period, five skilled craftsmen from five renowned bronze casting villages in the Kẻ Chè region (now Bắc Ninh province) and Đào Viên, Châu Khê (Hải Dương) were summoned to the capital to cast worship objects for Quán Sứ Pagoda and the Lord's palaces. After completing their work, they chose to stay and establish their craft on the land by West Lake instead of returning home. These five villages were Nhật Chiêu, Quảng Bá, Vạn Phúc, Nghi Tàm, and Yên Thái. Thus, the name Ngũ Xã (meaning five villages) was born, marking the origin of a leading bronze casting center in the imperial city.
Through countless historical ups and downs, Ngũ Xã's bronze products have consistently affirmed their enduring value. They are not just utensils but artworks, showcasing sophistication, high aesthetic quality, and the soul of Thăng Long artisans across generations.
The Secret Behind the Distinction of Ngũ Xã Bronze
What makes Ngũ Xã bronze a standard of art and quality? The answer lies in a completely handcrafted production process requiring highly skilled artisans, meticulousness, and years of accumulated experience.
A Meticulous, Closed Production Process
Unlike modern industrial methods, every Ngũ Xã bronze product goes through a rigorous handcrafted process, demanding skill at each stage:
- Material Selection: Artisans prioritize using pure copper (red copper). Careful selection of raw materials is the prerequisite for achieving beautiful color, high durability, and resistance to oxidation.
- Mold Making: This is the most critical and complex stage, determining up to 70% of a product's success. Craftsmen meticulously shape molds from clay, beeswax, or other heat-resistant materials. The mold must ensure absolute precision in proportions and patterns for a sharp and lively final product.
- Melting Copper: Pure copper is placed in a furnace and melted at an appropriate temperature. Managing the fire temperature is a trade secret, requiring experienced craftsmen to achieve the ideal liquid state.
- Pouring Copper into Molds: Once the copper is fully molten, craftsmen pour it carefully and decisively into the mold cavity. This requires coordination and precision to avoid air bubbles that could cause pitting or cracking.
- Finishing: After cooling and solidifying, the rough product is removed from the mold. Craftsmen then polish and smooth the surface. The final stage is engraving, requiring patience and the skilled hands of artisans. Each pattern is meticulously carved, breathing life into the product and transforming it into a unique work of art.
A Blend of Technique and Art
The unique feature of Ngũ Xã's craft is the harmonious combination of precise technique and artistic creativity. Craftsmen here are not just workers producing goods; they are artists who infuse their understanding of culture, history, and spirituality into each piece. Therefore, every Ngũ Xã product, whether a majestic Buddha statue, an antique incense burner, or a decorative item, possesses a unique beauty.
Ngũ Xã Today: Keeping the Craft Alive
In the era of integration and development, like many traditional villages, Ngũ Xã faces numerous challenges. Competition from cheap industrial products, changing consumer tastes, and a shortage of successors threaten the craft's survival.
However, with dedication and pride, the artisans and descendants of Ngũ Xã remain devoted to their furnaces and molds. They continuously learn, refine their skills, and explore new designs that suit modern tastes while preserving traditional values. Their efforts aim not only to sustain their livelihood but also to contribute valuable artworks to Vietnamese culture, ensuring the legacy of Ngũ Xã bronze casting never fades in the heart of Hanoi.
