The Timeless Artistic Legacy of Nguyen Van To
Phu Xuyen is a land of hundreds of traditional crafts. Its handicrafts are not only renowned across Vietnam but have also reached international markets since the late 20th century, gaining admiration from customers far and wide. The district is home to nearly a hundred craft villages, including Chuon Ngo Village in Chuyen My Commune, famous for its thousand-year-old mother-of-pearl inlay craft. This tranquil village is nestled along the picturesque Nhuệ Giang.
A 1,000-Year Legacy
The story of Chuon Ngo begins in 1053, with the birth of a remarkable figure, Truong Cong Thanh (courtesy name Pho An). A man of extraordinary talent, intelligence, and charisma, he excelled in martial arts, music, and literature. Rising to prominence, he served as a trusted general alongside Ly Thuong Kiet, contributing to Vietnam’s military victories. Despite being showered with royal honors, he chose a life of simplicity, dedicating his later years to Buddhism and exploring nature.
Legend has it that during one of his excursions, Truong Cong Thanh discovered a beautiful shell on the beach — later identified as mother-of-pearl. Intrigued by its iridescent colors, he began incorporating the material into artistic pieces, laying the foundation for the inlay craft that Chuon Ngo is famous for. After his passing in 1099, the villagers preserved his teachings, establishing Chuon Ngo as the birthplace of Vietnam’s mother-of-pearl inlay craft.
Over centuries, artisans from Chuon Ngo were summoned to create masterpieces for the royal court, and the craft flourished under the Nguyen dynasty. The village gained fame for its intricate portraits, including notable works like a portrait of King Thanh Thai created for the inauguration of Long Bien Bridge in 1902.
Nguyen Van To: A Master Artisan
Among the illustrious artisans of Chuon Ngo, Nguyen Van To stands out as a pioneer and cultural icon. Born in 1915, he was trained at the Ha Dong School of Fine Arts and later dedicated himself to Vietnam’s independence efforts during the Revolution. After peace was restored, he became instrumental in developing Vietnam’s handicraft industry, serving as a key figure in establishing the Central Handicraft Vocational School in Thanh Tri, Hanoi.
From 1962 to 1976, Nguyen Van To created inlaid portraits of global leaders such as Lenin, Stalin, and Mao Zedong, earning him numerous awards from UNESCO and other international organizations. In 1967, his portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong and President Ho Chi Minh shaking hands became a treasured diplomatic gift, with Mao personally sending a gift in gratitude.
Nguyen Van To was a three-time recipient of the prestigious “Golden Hands” award, bestowed by organizations such as the Southeast Asian Fine Arts Association and the Vietnam Fine Arts Association.
Chuon Ngo Today
Today, Chuon Ngo thrives as a vibrant hub of craftsmanship, home to nearly 600 skilled artisans producing exquisite mother-of-pearl and inlaid art for domestic and international markets. The village continues to uphold its artistic traditions while embracing modern innovation, with raw materials sourced from around the world. Among these, golden-lipped pearl shells and rare red seashells are prized for their vibrant colors and are often reserved for the most intricate works.
The artisans of Chuon Ngo, united by their commitment to excellence, continue to inspire generations with their golden hands and golden hearts. The village stands as a testament to Vietnam’s enduring cultural heritage, offering both livelihood and artistic prestige to its people.
Through the legacy of masters like Nguyen Van To, Chuon Ngo remains not just a village, but a living monument to Vietnam’s timeless artistry.
