Opening Ceremony of the display “The La - A Thousand Years of Weaving”
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10) and to honor Vietnamese Women's Day (October 20), on the morning of October 9, 2024, the Center of Scientific and Cultural Activitivies Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, in collaboration with artisan Lê Đăng Toản, organized the opening ceremony of the exhibition “The La - A Thousand Years of Weaving.” The exhibition will take place from October 9 to October 20, 2024, at the Thai Hoc House, the Special National Relic Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam.
Attendees at the opening ceremony included Dr. Lê Xuân Kiêu - Director of the Center of Scientific and Cultural Activitivies Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam; Dr. Vũ Thị Minh Hương - former Director of the National Archives Department, Chair of the UNESCO Memory of the World Committee for the Asia-Pacific region, and a member of the National Cultural Heritage Council; calligrapher Vũ Thanh Tùng (Xuân Như) - Chairman of the Nhân Mỹ Học Đường; Dr. Đỗ Trần Phương - Deputy Head of the Tourism Department at Hanoi University of Culture; Dr. Trần Diễm Hằng - Head of the Tourism Department at Hòa Bình University; M.A. Chu Khánh Linh - Deputy Head of the Tourism Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture; Mrs. Nguyễn Hồng Vân - Head of the Saigon Tourist branch in Hanoi; artisan Lê Đăng Toản, along with numerous villagers from La Khê.
The exhibition features prominent textiles made of silk La Khê, and traditional Vietnamese costumes crafted from these materials. Notably, the collection of áo dài made from La Khê silk showcases designs that recreate five significant cultural and historical symbols of Hanoi: the Hanoi Flag Tower, Long Biên Bridge, One Pillar Pagoda, Thê Húc Bridge, and Khuê Văn Các (Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám). This exhibition aims to convey the history and development of the La Khê silk village. A highlight of the exhibition is a traditional loom and silk spinning wheel that allows visitors to experience the weaving process.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Dr. Lê Xuân Kiêu - Director of the Center of Scientific and Cultural Activitivies Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam emphasized: “In the ancient space of Thai Hoc House, Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, we are honored to showcase the essence of the traditional silk weaving village of La Khê, where the heritage of Hanoi is reflected in these artworks. The exhibition will surely provide visitors with a very special and interesting experience.”
Mr. Nguyễn Bao Hòa, former Vice Chairman of La Khê Ward, shared at the event: “Artisan Lê Đăng Toản is truly dedicated to his craft, tirelessly working day and night to preserve and develop La Khê's silk products, rich in traditional artistic value, passing this legacy on to future generations.”
Visiting the exhibition “The La - A Thousand Years of Weaving” is a journey back to the traditional weaving of silk La Khê, from a village renowned in ancient Thăng Long. Through the ups and downs of history, La Khê has retained its cultural values in every thread of fabric, preserving the quintessence of the weaving craft through generations.
Below are some images from the opening ceremony!
Dr. Lê Xuân Kiêu, Director of the Center of Scientific and Cultural Activitivies Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, speaks at the opening ceremony.
Mr. Nguyễn Bao Hòa, former Vice Chairman of La Khê Ward, shares at the event.
Dr. Lê Xuân Kiêu presents flowers to artisan Lê Đăng Toản.
Dr. Lê Xuân Kiêu and artisan Lê Đăng Toản present flowers to the designer and artisans involved in the exhibition.
Officials cut the ribbon to inaugurate the exhibition.
The traditional loom at the exhibition.
The collection of áo dài recreating five cultural and historical symbols of Hanoi.
Visitors enjoy the silk spinning experience at the exhibition.
International visitors express interest in the exhibition
and eagerly explore the silk products.
International guests particularly love the Vietnamese áo dài.
The exhibition attracts a large number of visitors.
Guests take photos at the event.
Translator: NL
