The first-prize winning author with his Heritage Road light set

In 2023, a total of 57 units and individuals participated in a contest, showcasing 124 designs and product sets, which were divided into 4 groups. The participants were not only from Hue city but also from many districts and towns in the province. There were 11 businesses with 33 designs, products and product sets, 2 cooperatives with 8 designs, products and product sets, and 44 business households, groups, artisans, and individuals with 83 designs, products and product sets.

The designs, products, and product sets that participated in the contest were evaluated to be diverse in types, styles, and forms of expression. Many of the products showcased typical cultural features of Hue craft villages, such as the “Patterns on the Nine Urns” product set, the “Lotus and Heritage” product set, and the Phuoc Tich ceramic souvenir product sets. In addition, some products demonstrated a high level of skill and investment by the authors, such as the “Heritage Road” light set, the 3D model of Ngo Mon Hue (Noon Gate) gilded with gold, and the handmade bonsai set of “Thousand years of yellow apricot - Ancient village”.

“This year's contest entries featured clear packaging and labels that included important information such as the product name and production facility. Additionally, the designs and packaging of Hue specialty products were noteworthy. Overall, the products and product sets that participated in the contest met the necessary requirements for handicraft products that can be sold as tourism souvenirs,” said a representative from the Department of Industry and Trade.

Through the preliminary and final rounds, the first prize was awarded to the “Heritage Road” light set by Truc Chi Vietnam Art Co., Ltd. The product set of “Patterns on the Nine Urns” by the author Pham Dang Nhat Thai and the product set of “Embroidered paintings on lotus leaves about Hue scenic spots” by Sen Thao Co., Ltd. won the second prize. The three third prizes were given to the product set of “Lotus and Heritage” by Innodir Trading and Service Co., Ltd., the corporate gift set by Nguyen Dynasty Vietnam Cultural Product Development Company Limited, and the product set of “The Great Song of the Jungle” by the author Dang Viet Bao.

The handicraft product design contest is intended to recognize and celebrate the cultural values of traditional professions and craft villages in the land of the ancient capital. This will encourage artisans, individuals, and professional organizations to showcase their creativity by creating new designs and producing souvenir products and gifts that reflect Hue's cultural identity. These items will serve to promote tourism development and export opportunities.

By HAI DANG