The prints of SΓ¬nh villageβs last craftsman
On the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, we went to SΓ¬nh village, located 9km northeast of the city of HuαΊΏ. Itβs known among locals for its colourful woodblock prints and a traditional wrestling competition held on the 10th day of the New Year. Out of the entire guild that once existed, today only Mr. Kα»³ Hα»―u PhΖ°α»c remains. He startled when we arrived. Usually people come early in the morning, not in the midday heat (like usβ¦). The man was busy working, so an elderly woman came to us, and showed us a bit of the printing process. After careful choosing of which traditional prints to buy, we enjoyed a cup of tea. According to an art history book I came across later, the prints from this village differ from the famous ones in Hanoi by portraying more βfolkβ themes -less influenced by Chinese aesthetics- like depictions of animals and plants, religious life, folk games, and customs of Central Vietnam. February 2024
