WVR - Amid the hurried sounds of today’s city, in a quiet corner of Hanoi, there are still devoted hands patiently inlaying each fragment of pearl shell inlay - piecing together tiny details to create shimmering works of art that carry the soul of Vietnamese culture in every touch.
Under the artisan’s skilled hands, each glimmering shell seems to hold an entire sky of memories - echoes of traditional craft villages where art and patience intertwine. The inlaid dream lives not only on the wooden surface, but also deep within the hearts of those who keep and pass on the fire of Chuon Ngo village.
Pearl shell inlay is an enduring aesthetic language - a way of telling stories about beauty, pride, and the desire to preserve ancestral heritage amid modern rhythms. Every craftsman continues this dream of inlay, quietly yet steadfastly, shining like the iridescent shell under the morning sun.
In the heart of Hanoi, the sound of chiseling and polishing still rings - a gentle reminder that some values never fade, but simply continue to glow in the hands of those who guard the soul of tradition in a changing world.
Amid the rhythm of modern life, Chuon Ngo quietly preserves the Vietnamese soul through every shimmering piece of pearl shell inlay. Nestled peacefully along the Nhue River, Chuon Ngo village (Chuyen My commune, Phu Xuyen district, Hanoi) stands as a vivid testament to the enduring vitality of Vietnam’s traditional craftsmanship. For centuries, the sounds of chiseling and polishing have echoed here - the sounds of memory, of passion, and of devotion passed down through generations.
In a small shrine at the heart of Chuon Ngo village, locals honor their craft’s founder - Master Truong Cong Thanh. According to village artisans, the art of inlay here began in the Ly Dynasty with this talented general under King Ly Nhan Tong. After years of serving the nation, he chose a quiet life, devoting himself to creating sacred objects from shells and pearl shell inlay. Before passing away in 1099, he passed down his skills to the villagers of Ngo, beginning a legacy of craftsmanship that has endured for more than nine centuries.
Every pearl shell inlay artwork is the result of countless delicate steps, from selecting shimmering shells to sketching designs, sawing, chiseling, inlaying and polishing. In the hands of Chuon Ngo artisans, tiny pieces of shell come together in harmony with wood, creating vibrant works that glow with the iridescent hues of nacre. More than a technical process, it is a journey of emotion and devotion - where artisans converse with their materials, turning patience and passion into everlasting beauty.
“You have to love this craft as much as you love your own breath. I hope the beauty of Vietnamese pearl shell inlay will live on in today’s fast-changing world and we’re doing our best to protect it,” shared artisan Nguyen Dinh Hai. Having devoted his life to this art since his youth, he not only inherits the legacy of his forefathers but also inspires younger generations to carry it forward. To him, every finished work is a spiritual child - a creation born of patience, precision and a deep love for Vietnamese culture.
From tiny pieces of shell, Chuon Ngo artisans create breathtaking inlay artworks - where the colors of nature blend with human creativity. The iridescent light of the pearl shell reflects not only physical beauty, but also the pride and soul of a craft that has journeyed with Vietnam through centuries, enduring and shining in the flow of time.
In the gentle light of Chuon Ngo’s humble workshop, young artisans continue the age-old dream of inlaying pearls and souls into wood. Amid modern life, they choose to stay with the craft - keeping each glimmer of nacre shining like their pride and love for Vietnamese culture.
WVR - Vietnam Education Publishing House hopes that books about President Ho Chi Minh will become valuable resources in every household and school library, contributing ...
WVR - That was the overarching message at the graduation ceremony for 3,742 new graduates of the 59th cohort (academic years 2021–2025) of the Academy ...
WVR - The Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a celebration for children but also an occasion for adults to reflect and understand that educational reform ...
