Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat: A shining example of preserving lacquer art

Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat - a shining example of preserving lacquer art - Photo: TP

About 50km west of Hanoi center is Duong Lam ancient village - a historical site with ancient houses, red brick roads and rich traditional culture. This is also the hometown of artisan Nguyen Tan Phat - a son carrying love and responsibility for Vietnam's cultural heritage.

Born and raised in a peaceful countryside, artist Nguyen Tan Phat soon showed his artistic talent. Pencils, dry branches, broken tiles... all became his drawing tools. Drawing on walls, on the ground, on simple materials around him was a way for him to satisfy his childhood love of painting.

According to the artist, lacquer is one of the most purely Vietnamese painting materials, the crystallization of traditional painting techniques and the quintessence of national culture. He understands that clearly, so he always devotes himself to researching, exploring and applying traditional materials such as eggshells, coconut shells, laterite, jackfruit wood... into his works. He believes that each of his products not only has aesthetic value but also connects with the soul of Vietnam.

Many dragon creations of various shapes were created by Mr. Phat. Photo: TP

Artist Nguyen Tan Phat’s family has a tradition of passion for fine arts. Following the family tradition, after finishing high school, he pursued professional painting by passing the entrance exam to the University of Industrial Fine Arts, majoring in lacquer painting.

However, contrary to the choice of many of his peers, Nguyen Tan Phat decided to return to his hometown after graduation. He did not want the traditional culture of his village to be lost, but wanted to contribute to preserving and promoting its value. In 2010, Phat Studio was born, becoming a place to display unique mother-of-pearl and lacquer products, bearing the mark of traditional craft villages.

Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat is not only a talented craftsman, but also a dedicated craftsman. He opened free vocational classes for local people, imparting knowledge and traditional lacquer techniques. The classes became a bridge, helping many people stay connected to the craft village and create a livelihood for themselves.

His enthusiasm and dedication do not stop at teaching. He also creates unique products from straw, horses, buffaloes... combined with indigenous cultural heritage. These works have a simple, rustic beauty, demonstrating a deep understanding of the traditional culture of the nation.

Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat creates straws into animals such as buffaloes and horses from folklore, impressing tourists. Photo: TH

With his tireless efforts, artisan Nguyen Tan Phat was awarded the title of Hanoi Artisan in mother-of-pearl inlay and lacquer by the Hanoi People's Committee (2017) and a certificate of merit by the Son Tay Town People's Committee for his achievements in cultural, artistic and tourism development activities (2023).

His contributions are not only recognized through prestigious awards but also demonstrated through the support and love of the community. Local people, domestic and foreign tourists all respect and appreciate his dedication and contributions.

Nguyen Tan Phat is also a pioneer in combining traditional arts with tourism. He organizes "Ancient Village Night" activities, bringing unique cultural experiences to visitors, contributing to the development of the local night-time economy.

Unique works that still retain tradition, but have a new modern touch. Photo: TP

The journey of artisan Nguyen Tan Phat is a testament to the power of combining tradition and modernity, love for the homeland and the enthusiasm of the young generation. He is not only a talented artisan, but also a shining example of responsibility, love for the profession and the desire to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of the nation.

Imagine a Vietnamese village with ancient houses, red brick roads, kind people, and artisan Nguyen Tan Phat - the one who preserves the soul of the craft village, the one who inspires the younger generation, the one who contributes to rekindling new vitality for traditional culture. That is the beautiful, inspiring image, imbued with the Vietnamese spirit that artisan Nguyen Tan Phat has brought to society.

Free lacquer art and sculpture classes attract many young people to experience. Photo: TH

“As a young artisan, through my personal experiences, I hope that Hanoi city will have supportive policies to attract young people to participate in the field of traditional arts and crafts, to preserve, conserve and develop traditional occupations - one of the factors that make up Hanoi's cultural identity” . Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat shared.

Hopefully, his story will continue to spread, inspire many people, contribute to preserving and developing the traditional cultural beauty of the Vietnamese people.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/nghe-nhan-nguyen-tan-phat-tam-guong-sang-luu-giu-nghe-thuat-son-mai-tinh-hoa-van-hoa-viet-352151.html