The Hue conical leaf hat has long been not just a shelter from the rain and sun, but an aesthetic symbol associated with local life and culture. Its uniqueness lies in its delicate and highly expressive presentation. A prime example is the “poem conical hat” (non bai tho), featuring familiar motifs, such as Truong Tien Bridge, Ngu Binh Mountain, or young girls in the traditional ao dai skillfully embedded between the layers of leaves. When held up to the light, these details emerge, creating a unique visual effect.
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Duong Van Kinh carries out steps to make Hue conical leaf hats at the event. |
Bringing the spirit of a traditional craft village to a contemporary art space, Duong Van Kinh has introduced a new approach to conical leaf hats. The booth features products like decorative lamps and accessories to expand the functionality of conical leaf hats in modern life. This combination demonstrates efforts to refresh products on a traditional foundation, meeting the market’s increasingly diverse needs.
While introducing the products to visitors, Duong Van Kinh shares his desire to help more people understand the traditional craft. He expresses his pride in seeing the public’s interest and affection for these handcrafted hats, which undergo numerous meticulous production stages.
Another notable feature of Hue conical leaf hats lies in their materials and crafting techniques. Beyond the standard leaves, artisans utilize Lepironia grass (co bang), a natural material harvested from lagoon areas, to create highly durable and visually appealing products. The treatment process for this grass, from drying and flattening to moisture-proofing prior to weaving, demands absolute precision and experience to ensure the good quality.
From material preparation to completion, each hat is the result of careful process. Artisans must perform steps like framing, layering, and hand-stitching with high precision. Depending on demand, the product can retain its natural rustic color or be embellished with painted patterns. The manual nature of each stage leaves a unique mark on every single product.
The booth has lured many young people. Visiting the exhibition, Nguyen My, a 20-year-old student at the University of Industrial Fine Arts, shared that applied products like lamps and conical hat keychains diversifies the offerings, thereby making it easier for young people to access traditional cultural values.
Translated by Minh Anh