“It wasn't by chance that I chose this path. I grew up in a craft village, surrounded by the sounds of my father’s hammers and chisels. This craft has been passed down by generations of villagers. After working in marketing for a while, I wanted to promote our traditional craft and get young people to appreciate it more. That’s why I thought of making new kinds of handicraft items,” Duc Anh said.

Artisan Nguyen Duc Anh (Photo: Kim Lieu/VOV5)

35-year-old Duc Anh has found a new direction, different from the traditional products of his predecessors, by focusing on smaller, lighter items of everyday usefulness. His copper trays, decorative panels, vases, pendant lamps, utensil trays, and candle holders are all meticulously handcrafted.

Duc Anh has also developed a line of copper jewelry that includes rings, necklaces, chokers, earrings, and hairpins. All pieces are handmade of pure copper using centuries-old techniques and inspired by traditional Vietnamese motifs and cultural symbols. While inspired by tradition, his work also has a modern aesthetic that appeals to younger generations.

"The patterns I come across in ancient documents are all flat, just 2D images. When I create a piece, I have to hammer and engrave each detail to bring it to life. My hands essentially become a human 3D printer, carefully shaping and raising every element. Engraving is a delicate technique which demands precision, with just the right pressure and steady hands to ensure each line is even, clean, and visually striking," Duc Anh said.

Some of Duc Anh’s products  (Photo: Kim Lieu/VOV5)

Nowadays when everything can be replicated by machines, the imperfections of handmade marks, an uneven curve, a faded sheen, become a unique signature. This is the beauty created through the artisan's patience and passion.

“I’ve studied and used patterns from different dynasties such as Dong Son bronze drum motifs, lotus flowers, cranes, ancient characters, and natural but traditional Vietnamese designs. Now, the Lac bird, lotuses, dragonflies, phoenixes, and cloud patterns are among the most popular ancient motifs attracting young people. They’re excited to wear jewelry featuring these cultural elements,” Duc Anh said.

To conquer the domestic market, especially young consumers, Duc Anh and his team have built the Tonkin Craft brand of copper jewelry. Each item comes with information about the original material and motifs and the inspiration behind the design.

“I’m attending a Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange event, and I came to Tonkin Craft to choose a piece of jewelry that goes well with my traditional Ao Dai. The products here are incredibly intricate and beautiful. Each item carries a distinct Vietnamese cultural identity. Wearing traditional attire with traditional jewelry, I hope to showcase the beauty of Vietnam’s culture, people, and heritage to my Japanese friends,” said Truong Huong Giang, a student at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

(Photo: Kim Lieu/ VOV5)

In today’s digital age, Duc Anh and his team are making good use of platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, Instagram, and Facebook to introduce their copper jewelry to customers around the world.

“I really love Duc Anh’s handcrafted items because they reflect our culture and national values. I’m proud to give them as gifts to foreign friends. These pieces are especially meaningful because they’re made with the skill and heart of true artisans. They’re a wonderful way to introduce Vietnamese culture and identity to the world,” said Hoang Thanh, a customer in Hanoi.