Lotus Silk: Unique craft from Hanoi
A respected cultural figure from My Duc Commune has pioneered a unique technique of crafting silk from the delicate fibers of lotus stems.
THE HANOI TIMES — While worm silk is well-known and valued around the world, lotus silk is a rare and special Vietnamese creation, which is made by Meritorious Artisan Phan Thi Thuan, who has elevated lotus silk weaving into a celebrated art form through her boundless creativity.
She repurposed discarded lotus stems, transforming humble natural materials into high-end, eco-friendly textiles. Each piece is imbued with cultural meaning and sustainable values.
In 2019, Thuan made a breakthrough in Vietnam’s textile heritage by introducing her first collection of scarves, shirts, and dresses made from lotus silk. These exquisite pieces, which are light, breathable, and naturally fragrant, have since become sought-after diplomatic gifts, exemplifying the grace and ingenuity of Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Every strand of lotus silk is meticulously extracted by hand, requiring patience and precision. No chemicals are used to preserve the fiber’s natural softness and scent. The result is a luxurious fabric that carries the serenity of Vietnam’s lotus-filled landscapes.
Thuan was born and raised in a family that has grown mulberry, bred silkworms, and woven silk for generations in Phung Xa Commune, Hanoi.
Creating lotus silk is a delicate art that requires skilled hands, unwavering patience, and meticulous attention to detail.
Once harvested from the lotus ponds, the stems are gently washed twice to cleanse them of mud and thorns to begin their transformation into silk.
Around 4,800 stems are needed to produce a single 1.7-meter-long, 25-centimeter-wide scarf.
A skilled artisan can process around 200 lotus stems per day, so nearly a month is required just to prepare the raw materials for one scarf.
"Creating a lotus silk product demands immense effort, time, and dedication," says artisan Phan Thi Thuan.
Lotus silk is remarkably smooth and uniquely pure, a natural elegance unmatched by any other type of silk.
In addition to her renowned lotus silk creations, artisan Phan Thi Thuan also weaves elegant products from traditional cocoon silk.
Every silk product, whether crafted from silkworm cocoons or lotus stems, reflects the artisan’s meticulous care and unwavering patience.
The Hanoi artisan’s lifelong devotion to silk reflects her endless passion; she has dedicated nearly her entire life to crafting exquisite silk creations.
Artisan Phan Thi Thuan’s cotton blankets and silk fabric products are regularly showcased at domestic and regional fairs and recognized as distinguished offerings of the Hanoi OCOP (One Commune, One Product) program.
Innovative creations made from lotus silk and traditional silk have found their place in discerning markets around the world, including Japan, Germany, Belgium, China, and Saudi Arabia.
In honor of her significant contributions to preserving and advancing the nation’s traditional crafts, Thuan was awarded the title of Excellent Citizen of the Capital in 2021 by the Hanoi People’s Committee.
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