Du Du Village in Hanoi Vietnam for Quintessential Wooden Sculpture

in Villages near Hanoi June 26, 2018 2,576 Views

Hanoi is promoting trade village tourism, and Du Du Sculpture Village is one of the most outstanding traditional sites to be included in the itinerary day tours. Located in Thanh Thuy Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi, this village preserves the quintessence of the wooden sculpture that creates numerous wooden statues “passing from father to son.” Protected in the areas are the communal temple, the workshops, the Vietnamese countryside scenery, etc., which bewitch travelers.

Du Du Wooden Sculpture Village in Hanoi Vietnam

The Essence of Wooden Sculpture in Du Du Village Hanoi Vietnam

For more than 500 years ago, the wooden sculpture has existed in Du Du Village. There has been the age-old temple dedicated to worshipping the forefather of sculpture. Under the reign of Minh Mang King (1820 – 1840), dozens of the village artisans went to Hue Citadel to serve the King and they got the royal recognition. As time passes, the Du Du artisans have been perfecting their sculpture and passing it to the later generations. With the skillful hands, creative ideas, and passion, they move to almost every corner of the country to produce the special and sophisticated sculptures.

The temple at Du Du Village

The sculptures of Du Du Village Hanoi Vietnam serve various functions such as exhibiting, decorating, and worshipping. The Buddha images come in various sizes and shapes that are placed in the religious spots throughout the country. They make the Maitreya Buddha image with the happy smile and full stomach (reflecting the prosperous and peaceful life) while the Shakyamuni Buddha status has the gentle face and longevity ear. According to the experienced sculptors, the expertise of this trade lies in the ways artisans arrange the patterns on the wood to highlight the compatibility and specialty that the wood connoisseurs appreciate.

A lady is sculpting at Du Du village

Besides the historical Du Du Sculpture Temple, the village owns many reliable workshops of Viet Lien, Tuyet Bon, Nam Phuong, Nhat Phuong, Tien Dang, etc., which ensure guests to find the diverse and praiseworthy wooden products. Through the sculptor’s expertise, the small and normal wood turns out to be the aesthetic masterpiece that has soul and value. Though applying the modern machines to the procedure of mixing the materials and polishing the products (once done only by hands), nothing can replace the experience and expertise of the Du Du sculptors who master the principles of Feng Shui, horoscope, and the ways to give “soul” to the soulless things. The most popular statues are of the “Phuc – Loc – Tho” (the Happiness – Wealth – Longevity), Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, Quan Van Truong (the Heroic General), the fairy, etc. In fact, the wooden sculptures of Du Du Village in Hanoi have been being exported to China, Taiwan, and other Southeast Asian regions.

Some Buddhas are forming under the artist’s hands

Hanoi Village Tours to Du Du Sculpture Village

Around 30km from Hanoi Center, Du Du Sculpture Village often appears in Hanoi Village Tours, which opens opportunities for travelers to explore Vietnamese quintessential sculpture. The sights to see include the historical temple dedicated to worshipping the unknown forefather of the sculpture, the workshops in which artisans are sculpting the beautiful wooden statues. The intricate sculptures for decoration, wooden images, and furniture in this charming address attract visitors to buy and appreciate the traditions.

The wodden Happy Buddha has been finished

Getting to Du Du Village with Vietnam Travel Guide and cherishing the soulful sculptures made from the wood of various kinds. There are even the products made from the special wood which changes its color according to the seasons. It’s also great to witness the statue carving process and how the craftsmen carve the intricate patterns on the wood, resulting in the valuable products. Numerous “soulful” wooden statues have come to life thanks to the well-kept tradition and passion of the Du Du villagers for this work of art.