Traditional Crafts of Saigon That Still Exist

Saigon, not only famous for its economic development, is also a place where diverse cultural, artistic, and traditional values converge. In the context of modernization and industrialization, many ancient handicrafts have survived and even thrived, preserving the essence of previous generations. This article will explore some prominent traditional crafts such as pottery making at Nắng Ceramics, incense production at Lê Minh Xuân village, and bronze casting in An Hội, all of which preserve unique handicraft traditions.

1. Pottery Making at Nắng Ceramics

Pottery making is one of the iconic traditional crafts of Vietnam, and Saigon is no exception. Although not as famous as Bat Trang or Lai Thieu pottery, pottery making in Saigon has its own distinct presence, particularly at Nắng Ceramics.

Nắng Ceramics is a small pottery workshop on the outskirts of Saigon, producing finely handcrafted ceramic products. These items reflect the traditional pottery craftsmanship of Vietnam, blended with modern styles, and are favored by both domestic and international customers. The handmade vases, dishes, and cups at Nắng Ceramics each tell their own unique story.

The pottery-making process at Nắng Ceramics follows traditional steps: selecting clay, kneading, shaping, and finally firing in a kiln. The patience and skill of the artisans play a vital role in determining the quality of the products. What sets Nắng Ceramics apart is its use of natural plant-based glazes, creating soft, harmonious tones that appeal to contemporary tastes.

Not only does Nắng Ceramics preserve the traditional craft, but it also revitalizes it with creative designs that match modern trends. This allows pottery making to continue thriving in a dynamic city like Saigon.

Tìm hiểu về Làng nghề gốm sứ Bình Dương sở hữu thương hiệu nổi danh — Source: MIA.vn

2. Lê Minh Xuân Incense Village, Bình Chánh District

Incense production is another longstanding traditional craft in Saigon. Lê Minh Xuân village in Bình Chánh district is one of the largest and most renowned incense production centers in the southern region of Vietnam. With a history spanning hundreds of years, this village symbolizes the resilience and hardworking spirit of Saigon's people.

Lê Minh Xuân incense village operates year-round but becomes especially busy during major holidays like Lunar New Year, the first full moon of the year, or the seventh full moon (Vu Lan Festival). During these periods, streets such as Mai Bá Hương and Thích Thiện Hòa are lined with drying racks of incense sticks in vibrant reds and golds, creating an impressive spectacle. These incense sticks are not merely commodities but carry the spiritual essence of Vietnamese culture.

The incense-making process in Lê Minh Xuân has retained its handcrafted nature over the years. From mixing the powder, dipping the sticks, to drying them, each step is meticulously performed. Every stick of incense emits a delicate fragrance, evoking a sense of peace for the user. The incense from this village is not only sold domestically but also exported to other Asian countries, helping to promote Vietnamese culture abroad.

Nghề làm nhang mùa nắng nóng ở ngoại ô Sài Gòn - Kinh doanh — Source: Znews

3. Bronze Casting in An Hội, Gò Vấp District

Bronze casting is another indispensable part of Saigon's traditional craft landscape. An Hội bronze casting village in Gò Vấp district is one of the few places that still maintains this craft, despite modern industries overshadowing many traditional trades.

The bronze casting craft in An Hội mainly focuses on producing religious items such as bells, Buddha statues, incense burners, and other bronze artifacts. Each bronze item requires high technical expertise and precision, from selecting materials, melting the bronze, to shaping and cooling the product. The artisans, with their years of experience, need to be meticulous to create products with both accuracy and aesthetic refinement.

Bronze casting in An Hội not only serves the spiritual needs of the people but also contributes to preserving an invaluable cultural heritage. Although the scale of production has reduced, the products from An Hội remain widely used in temples, pagodas, and households throughout Vietnam.

Nỗi lo của người đàn ông sở hữu hàng trăm bộ lư đồng ở Sài Gòn — Source: VietNamNet

4. The Survival and Development of Traditional Crafts

Despite facing numerous challenges in modern times, Saigon’s traditional crafts have maintained a foothold, thanks to the persistence and creativity of the artisans. They not only continue to practice traditional production methods but also adapt and innovate to meet the demands of the modern market. For example, pottery making at Nắng Ceramics not only focuses on preserving ancient techniques but also creates new, trendy products. Similarly, Lê Minh Xuân incense village and An Hội bronze casting village have continued to flourish, fueled by the spiritual needs of the people and expanding their reach to international markets.

The survival of these traditional crafts not only holds economic value but also serves as a cultural symbol of Saigon. Each craft tells the story of the city’s formation and development, closely tied to the spiritual and aesthetic life of its people. Through each handcrafted product, we can see the dedication, skill, and artistry of the artisans who work day and night to preserve and promote these traditional values.

Conclusion

In the midst of Saigon's rapid economic growth, these traditional crafts stand as a testament to the endurance of the country’s cultural heritage. Pottery making, incense production, and bronze casting are not only livelihoods for the skilled craftsmen but also a source of pride. By preserving and developing these trades, we ensure that the valuable cultural essence of Vietnam is maintained and that Saigon’s rich and diverse cultural landscape continues to thrive in the modern world.