Using the fine texture of Phung Xa Silk Scarf as their canvas, Uniquegifts artists create exceptional works of art, transforming each scarf into a unique, handcrafted masterpiece distinctively Vietnamese.
The revival of Phung Xa Silk Scarf by artisan Phan Thi Thuan
Years ago, natural Vietnamese silk became increasingly scarce as mass-produced, cheap industrial silk flooded the market. The traditional silk village of Phung Xa, located in My Duc, Hanoi, established in 1929 and once dubbed the “mulberry capital,” faced the threat of decline.
Cherishing the ancestral craft, Ms. Phan Thi Thuan, a skilled artisan born and raised in the village, diligently rebuilt the trade, starting from small silkworm nests. She successfully revived the silk weaving craft and pioneered the successful technique of making lotus silk. Ms. Thuan is also the pioneer in “training” silkworms to weave flat silk blankets in Vietnam.
The meticulous craft of lotus silk
From long, fresh lotus stems harvested directly from the pond, Ms. Thuận cleans the mud and thorns, carefully breaking the stems into small 3-4cm segments, and meticulously extracting and gathering the pure white lotus thread. These soft, fragrant lotus fibers are then carefully boiled and sun-dried to remove the sap before being brought to the loom, creating smooth, durable fabric. These fragrant lotus blooms willingly yield their thread to create a silk that embodies the very soul of the nation.
According to the artisan, creating a lotus silk scarf measuring 1.7m long and 0.25m wide requires a weaver in Phùng Xá village more than one month of diligent work and the use of over 4,000 fresh lotus stems. Despite the hard work, Ms. Thuận and the village artisans hope that Vietnamese people can use the country’s beautiful domestic silk, and that they, as craftsmen, can sustain their livelihood, ensuring the craft continues.
Furthermore, Artisan Phan Thị Thuận also experimented by placing silkworms on a flat surface, allowing them to naturally spin their threads into intertwining layers. After 4–5 days, complete flat cocoon sheets were formed, and after preliminary processing, they are transformed into soft silk blankets.
Phùng Xá silk scarves are smooth, cool, and beneficial for the user’s health. Behind every scarf lies the dedication of Artisan Phan Thị Thuận—a woman who devoted her life to preserving and developing the traditional silkworm rearing and weaving craft, also symbolizing a sustainable approach that respects nature and contributes to environmental protection.
For further reading: Uniquegifts: The journey of preserving Vietnamese identity through unique handmade gifts
For further reading: Reviving natural dyes for Vietnamese silk
Uniquegifts: Transforming silk into hand-painted art
Uniquegifts artists use Phùng Xá silk as their canvas, selecting ideas based on the size and color of the material to turn each scarf into a distinct work of art. As the silk material is soft and delicate, the artists are extremely careful and skillful with every brushstroke and use of color to ensure perfect harmony.
Uniquegifts currently offers various scarf lines:
- Rustic yet Refined Đũi (Tussah) Silk Scarf: Breathable in summer, lightly warm in winter.
- Elegant Thin Silk Scarf: Light and delicate, serving as both a fashionable accent and providing comfort, available in various sizes for flexibility and individual style.
Choosing a Uniquegifts silk scarf means choosing luxury, sophistication, and sustainability—a meaningful gift for loved ones, or a stylish highlight for oneself.
Author: An Nhiên
An Nhiên
