From Resin and Gold, A Story of Gratitude

On our journey to find wholesome gifts and meaningful handcrafted items for The Bloom, we had the chance to visit the lacquer village of Hạ Thái (Thường Tín, Hà Nội). What made us linger were the pieces and figurines that vividly reflect an old Vietnam — humble yet radiant.

Nestled in Duyên Thái commune, Hạ Thái village has carried its craft since the 17th century, famed for its meticulous lacquer techniques using gold leaf and natural materials. In the past, Hạ Thái's lacquerware was crafted primarily for royalty and sacred spaces — pagodas, temples, and ancestral houses. From carved wooden statues to ornate altar pieces, every item bore the touch of skilled local artisans.

In an era where many turn to shortcuts with industrial lacquer, the craftsmen of Hạ Thái remain faithful to each traditional step: choosing wooden cores, applying natural resin, inlaying eggshells and gold leaf, sanding and hand-polishing with charcoal and soft hair. Every piece is the result of months of quiet labor — a testament to patience, precision, and deep devotion to the craft.

Among the works we brought back, “Vinh Quy Bái Tổ” — a lacquer statue series — stood out with its striking portrayal of a treasured Vietnamese custom: “paying homage upon returning in glory.”

Dating back to the Lý Dynasty, this ceremonial homecoming was held in honor of scholars who passed national exams. More than personal pride, it was a moment of collective celebration — for families, villages, and teachers alike. The newly honored scholar, in ceremonial garb granted by the king, would be welcomed home with a jubilant procession of gongs, banners, and dragon palanquins. At each stop, they would bow to their ancestors, thank their mentors, and express gratitude to the village that nurtured them.

Inspired by this tradition, the “Vinh Quy Bái Tổ” statue set is handcrafted using traditional lacquer techniques. Each detail — the folds of official robes, the joyful expressions, the fluttering flags and parasols — is rendered with care, layered with rich lacquer, gold leaf, and eggshell to create depth, nuance, and a quietly glowing presence.

🌿 Visit The Bloom – Thảo Điền to witness this story in color and craft. “Vinh Quy Bái Tổ” is not just a piece of art — it’s a chapter of history, preserved and retold through the hands of a village that has passed down its legacy, one brushstroke at a time.