Positioned near the Dong Giang River in Hong Thai commune within Kien Xuong district, Thai Binh province, Dong Xam Silver Craft Village boasts an impressive history spanning close to 600 years. The village’s roots harken back to 1428 when Nguyen Kim Lau founded a workshop in the area, passing on the skill of silverwork to its residents. Today, this legacy endures, with Dong Xam standing as a testament to Vietnam’s abundant cultural richness.

Upon entering Dong Xam, visitors are greeted by the rhythmic melody of hammers striking metal, resonating throughout the village.

Skilled artisans explain that the art of silverwork comprises various essential techniques: tron (smoothing and polishing), dau (joining elements together), dau (drawing silver into delicate threads for intricate designs), and cham (engraving patterns onto the surface). Among these techniques, cham proves to be the most demanding, as the outcome’s elegance and finesse rely significantly on this phase.

Dong Xam has garnered notable acclaim for its engraving practices, necessitating craftsmen to possess inherent talent, a profound passion for their work, inventive thinking, and a thorough comprehension of light and shade. By astutely leveraging silver’s reflective qualities, these artisans produce items that shine brightly and possess a profound character.

This rigorous process calls for intense concentration and accuracy, as even the slightest error can mar the entire creation. It is this commitment to excellence, coupled with the artisans’ adept skills, that distinguishes Dong Xam’s silver goods from those crafted elsewhere.

Nguyen The Dan, a 68-year-old artisan from Hong Thai commune with four decades of experience, shares that crafting a single piece involves numerous stages, starting from processing raw materials into sheets, molding them into desired shapes, and meticulously engraving intricate designs.

“The crux of this craft lies in the uniqueness of each piece, requiring the artisan to envision the entire process from inception to completion. Only upon finishing the piece can we ascertain its successful execution,” Dan expounds.

Distinctively, Dong Xam’s craftsmanship showcases raised patterns and designs, all meticulously created by hand – a level of detail that machinery cannot replicate.

In addition to engraving, the dau (joining) process demands absolute precision. “Joining represents one of the final stages and calls for a steady hand, particularly in regulating the flame to prevent silver melting, which could compromise the piece. It’s the most challenging aspect of silver welding,” Dan adds.

Mastering the art of silver engraving proves to be no small feat, demanding patience, devotion, and a profound love for the craft. However, those who excel in it often develop a deep affection for this traditional art form.

Like many traditional crafts, Dong Xam’s silverwork has weathered periods of great prosperity as well as adversity, with the looming risk of the craft’s extinction. Nevertheless, the exceptional quality of Dong Xam’s creations has enabled the village to reclaim its standing as a pioneer in silver craftsmanship.

Trieu Dang Khoa, Chairman of the Dong Xam Silver Craft Village Association, points out that while 70-80% of the villagers were once involved in the craft, only approximately 40% continue this tradition today.

To cater to market demands, Dong Xam has expanded beyond traditional silver items, delving into the production of copper engravings and silver-plated articles. Regardless of the material, Dong Xam’s pieces are consistently characterized by their exquisite, harmoniously designed creations, each item bearing the village’s distinct artistic imprint.

“To keep pace with contemporary trends and safeguard the continuity of our traditional craft, we need to devise means to secure stable incomes for the craftsmen,” Khoa emphasizes. “Dong Xam now operates in two primary domains: traditional handicrafts, which encompass silver engraving, and the contemporary production of decorative items with technological and mechanical assistance.”

Khoa also notes that to meet consumer preferences, Dong Xam’s product range has diversified, spanning from religious paraphernalia to household items and jewelry. Prices fluctuate based on the intricacy, labor, and materials involved.

Presently, Dong Xam’s silver pieces enjoy broad acclaim and appeal, with numerous orders streaming in from international markets such as Japan and South Korea. This outreach has enabled the village’s artistry to transcend Vietnam’s borders.

“For those of us entrenched in the craft for many years, we ardently hope that this exceptional tradition persists and thrives,” Khoa expresses. “The Dong Xam Silver Craft Village Association intends to offer classes to educate young enthusiasts about silverwork. This undertaking will relay the ‘torch’ to future artisans, safeguarding the preservation of our traditional legacy.”