Amidst the modern pace of life, the Chang Son fan village diligently preserves its craft, a tradition spanning over two centuries. This place is not only a symbol of the ingenuity and creativity of the Vietnamese people but also a testament to the enduring commitment to maintaining traditional values for future generations.
The history and heritage of Chang Son fan making
Chang Son fan village is located in Tay Phuong Commune, Ha Noi (formerly Thach That District). According to the village artisans, the fan-making craft originated during the Le So Dynasty (15th century) and was started by a talented craftsman named Nguyen Đinh Thai. Mr. Thai learned the craft from a famous artisan in the Imperial City of Thang Long and brought the secret back to teach the villagers.
By the 19th century, the talent and skill of Chang Son artisans helped their fans gain fame across the country. Chang Son fans were used not only for daily life but were also chosen as tributes to the King and as diplomatic gifts. During the French colonial period, the village’s products even represented Vietnamese handicrafts at a major exhibition in Paris.
The meticulous craftsmanship behind the Chang Son fan
To create a complete Chang Son fan, an artisan must go through many time-consuming and precise steps.
Preparation of Raw Materials
The craftsman must select the right standard of bamboo, which is then soaked in water for 4–5 months to increase its suppleness and durability. After soaking, the bamboo is split, meticulously whittled, and dried evenly.
Assembly and Decoration
Next, the artisans bend and attach the wooden and bamboo slats to form the fan frame—a crucial step requiring high precision that determines the success of the product. The fan surface is then glued with Dó paper or silk.
The decoration stage is considered the soul of the fan. On the paper or silk backdrop, the artisans skillfully sketch traditional motifs such as the Four Seasons (Tứ Quý), birds, flowers, and countryside landscapes with rich and vibrant colors, transforming the fan into a perfect piece of art.
Chang Son village artisans meticulously working on paper fans (Source: Internet)
Each fan is not just a cooling tool; it is a work of art containing the dedication and love for the craft of the Vietnamese people.
For further reading: The Bloom Launches 2026 Lunar New Year Gift Collection
For further reading: Uniquegifts: The journey of preserving Vietnamese identity through unique handmade gifts
Revival and global reach of the traditional craft
Due to the flow of modern life and the development of electric fans and air conditioning, the traditional craft of Chang Son faced a period of decline. Distressed by the fading craft, an artisan from the village was determined to revive the craft years ago.
He fortunately received the support and determination of many villagers. They united to find ways to bring the Chang Son traditional fan product back to life. Artisans became more creative, developing new product lines such as high-end silk fans, decorative art fans, and stage performance fans to meet diverse consumer needs.
Today, Chàng Sơn fans are not only widely available in the domestic market but have also crossed oceans, being exported to countries like Japan and South Korea, with a variety of designs and types. The villagers have been able to achieve a comfortable and prosperous life through the very traditional craft left by their ancestors.
Chang Son handmade paper fan products at Uniquegifts
The fan-making craft of Chang Son is not only contributing to preserving and promoting the cultural value of a craft village but also helping to advertise Vietnamese culture to the world.
The Chang Son fan village selected and introduced by Uniquegifts to customers are not just sophisticated products; they are a continued cultural story. From natural materials to fluid brushstrokes, each fan holds the artisan’s dedication, a piece of the village’s memory, and a fragment of the Vietnamese soul preserved through time.
Author: Hoàng Oanh
