My Xuyen Wood Carving Hue: The Quintessence of Carving Art and Spiritual Culture

Few people know that before becoming a famous wood carving craft village, My Xuyen was once one of the most bustling earthenware production centers in Central Vietnam from around the 16th to the 18th century. Archaeological excavations have revealed ancient pottery kilns and numerous earthenware products, from lime pots, cooking pots, and basins to vases and jars, bearing strong marks of cultural intersection. 

It was a combination of traditional ceramic techniques brought by migrant craftsmen from the North and characteristic decorative features of the Sa Huynh culture. These products not only served domestic needs but were also found at major trading ports like Thanh Ha and Hoi An, even reaching as far as Japan, witnessing a brilliant era of My Xuyen pottery.

As times changed and the pottery craft gradually faded, carpentry and wood carving took over, writing a new chapter for My Xuyen village. History records that during the reign of King Gia Long, many woodcarving artisans summoned from the North to build the Hue Citadel stopped here and passed down their essence to the locals. The craftsmen of My Xuyen skillfully absorbed the elaborate carving techniques of the royal court along with the essence of folk art, creating a unique style found nowhere else.

My Xuyen wood carving is not merely a craft, but an art form. Artisans here not only recreate shapes but also breathe soul into every wood grain. The carved products are extremely diverse, ranging from majestic mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes to rustic folk statues such as the Maitreya Buddha, fishermen, or vivid landscape relief carvings.

The talent of My Xuyen craftsmen lies in their mastery of every chisel strike. They employ a variety of techniques from openwork carving and high relief to layered relief carving, creating intricate patterns heavily influenced by Hue royal architecture. Each work is not just a decorative item but a story told in wood, showcasing supreme skill and artistic prowess. It is these unique carved details that contribute to the distinctive beauty of ancient Hue traditional wooden houses (nha ruong).

To create a complete My Xuyen wood carving artwork, craftsmen must undergo an extremely meticulous and elaborate process, combining traditional techniques with endless creativity.

Material Selection

This is the important first step that determines the lifespan and beauty of the product. My Xuyen artisans usually prioritize precious woods such as Michelia, Manglietia, ironwood, ebony, Burretiodendron, and mahogany. These woods are not only durable and resistant to termites and warping, but also have fine grains, making carving and polishing easier.

Shaping and Rough Chiseling

From rough wood blocks, craftsmen calculate, measure, and shape the product. This work requires high precision to ensure balanced proportions. Afterwards, they use chisels and blades to remove excess wood and create the initial form. This step requires meticulous attention to detail and years of experience to outline the basic contours of the artwork.

Detailed Carving

This is the stage that showcases the talent and refinement of the craftsman. Using various carving techniques such as openwork, intaglio, and relief carving, they create vivid and soulful motifs. The sharp eyes and skillful hands of the craftsman breathe life into every detail, transforming an inanimate piece of wood into an emotional statue or relief carving. For complex works, craftsmen also use mortise and tenon joinery to assemble multiple small parts, saving wood while making fabrication more convenient.

Sanding, Scraping, and Polishing

After completing the carving, the product is sanded smooth, scraped, and carefully refined. The final step is polishing. This is a delicate yet crucial step that requires high technical skill to highlight the beauty of the wood grain and add refinement and shine to the piece.

Thanks to perseverance, meticulousness, and love for their craft, My Xuyen woodcarvers have created timeless works, contributing to preserving and promoting the value of the traditional craft handed down by their ancestors.

Today, My Xuyen craft village continues to maintain its vitality. With over 20 workshops and hundreds of workers, carved wood products are still widely consumed. The craft village receives ongoing attention from local authorities through brand promotion solutions, tourism connections, and financial support for development. In particular, preserving historical monuments like the Le Van Ancestral House—an exquisite wooden architectural structure dating from the late 19th century—has contributed to preserving the cultural and spiritual values of the village.

The survival of My Xuyen wood carving craft village is not just a story of a traditional trade. It is the journey of artisans who, with love and perseverance, have turned inanimate wood blocks into works that reflect the soul and charisma of the ancient capital. The art of carving in My Xuyen stands as testament to the continuity and development of traditional cultural values through historical ups and downs.

More than just a carving village, My Xuyen is a place that preserves and retells the story of an ancient royal land. From once-renowned earthenware products to today's intricate wood carvings, My Xuyen artisans have skillfully adapted and continued traditional cultural values. With talented hands and passionate hearts, they have created soulful works, enriching the national cultural heritage and witnessing the endurance of carving art amidst the flow of time.