By Anh Ngô
Hà Nội, a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern dynamism, offers a unique experience to those who venture through its historic streets.
Among its many artisanal treasures, hand-carved wooden stamps stand out as interesting souvenirs, reflecting the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship of Hà Nội's artisans.
"I have been doing this job for nearly 40 years. It’s a family craft, so I became familiar with it from a young age, around ten years old," Phạm Đức Trí, a stamp carver, told Việt Nam News.
"In the past, the main customers were literati, artists, or scholars. Nowadays, young people and foreign visitors also appreciate this craft, and this number is quite significant," he added.
For carvers like Trí, it's a chance to express their passion and ensure that this timeless craft continues to thrive for generations to come.
Discovering timeless craftsmanship
In the bustling Old Quarter, many tourists passing Hàng Quạt Street are captivated by artisans sitting in their shops, diligently working on wooden blocks to create rubber stamps. The intricate process of creating these stamps begins with carefully selecting a type of wood that is flexible and easy to carve. These wood blocks are then meticulously smoothed and flattened to form a perfect base.
The next step involves carving the desired design onto the wood's surface, which determines the final product. Customers send the images they want to carve, and then the maker creates the stamps based on those images
HANDIWORK: An artisan carves a wooden rubber stamp at his shop on Hàng Quạt Street. VNS Photo Anh Ngô
"I use tools, including knives, chisels, and small rasps, to carve the stamp," Phạm Minh Thiên, another stamp carver, said.
"Previously, I only made traditional items for local customers. Now, with the country opening up and more tourists coming in, I have developed new products to suit new customers."
The rubber stamps were initially created to authenticate documents and seal important letters. Artists and writers also used them to imprint their names on their works. Over time, these stamps have evolved beyond their practical origins. With the rise of tourism, they have become cherished souvenirs and mementoes for friends and families.
"I love these stamps and bought them as presents for my friends. These are such traditional and lovely presents, and it's wonderful to have all creations of these stamp carvers here. I think it’s a very individual and nice kind of work," Sabine Hellwig, a customer from Germany, said.
"What impresses me is the fine details, and it's amazing how they can create such detailed shapes, even faces, from just pictures. It's quite difficult."
SEALS OF APPROVAL: Wooden rubber stamps are available at Phạm Đức Trí's shop. VNS Photo Anh Ngô
Bringing home a piece of Việt Nam
From delicate lotus flowers to Tháp Rùa (Turtle Tower) – the iconic image of Hà Nội, the stamps are a testament to the carvers' skill and creativity. Tourists are particularly drawn to the personalised touch, with many opting for custom-made stamps featuring names, initials, or special messages.
"Tourists are very fond of these items. Popular designs include images of Việt Nam, such as áo dài (traditional dress), bicycles, or a buffalo herder playing the flute. Some people want portraits of President Hồ Chí Minh or hammer and sickle symbols. When people take these souvenirs back home, it helps promote Việt Nam’s image internationally," Trí said.
Phạm Văn Toàn, another stamp carver, recalled a touching story of a US teacher who bought 34 personalised stamps for each of her students.
"She remembered 34 students and then bought each of them a rubber stamp. Each stamp is carved with each child’s name," Toàn said.
MUCH-LOVED: Hand-carved wooden stamps captivate the hearts of many foreigners. VNS Photo Anh Ngô
The address of Toàn's handcrafted wooden stamp workshop has even appeared in travel guides in Japanese and English, highlighting its significance and appeal to international tourists.
For Amy Scott, a visitor from the UK, a wooden rubber stamp is a wonderful gift from Hà Nội. "We exchanged a digital picture and less than 24 hours later, we had a super fun stamp. I've just emailed a request for another rubber stamp as a gift, as we are so pleased with how our stamp turned out. What a wonderful gift!" she said.
From little workshops on the bustling streets of Hà Nội, thousands of these handcrafted rubber stamps have been sold and have journeyed worldwide. They serve as beautiful keepsakes, spreading the image of a vibrant, tradition-rich Việt Nam far and wide. VNS
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