Nguyen Tan Phat turns straw into unique folk toys

Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat said that this initiative not only helps preserve folk culture but also becomes an attractive tourism product, turning it into a folk game for children, and at the same time a bridge to attract international tourists to visit the ancient village of Duong Lam, Son Tay, Hanoi.

Talking about the idea and materials to create the product, artisan Nguyen Tan Phat shared that farmers often collect straw after harvesting to use or throw away, taking advantage of natural resources, so Mr. Phat bought it back, dried it, cleaned it and selected the most beautiful and strong straw to use.

Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat guides children to make products shaped like buffaloes and horses from straw.

The selected straws are neatly divided into parts such as buffalo horns, head, horse mane, legs and tail, then braided together in a calculated manner to achieve high aesthetic factors. "These products not only bring joy to children in the village but also contribute to enhancing the value of local tourism," artisan Nguyen Tan Phat expressed.

According to lacquer artisans, tourist groups when coming to Duong Lam ancient village often love to experience traditional folk products, especially those with novelty. The above reality shows that straw can become a rare resource, bringing high economic value and efficiency, instead of just being a waste product.

"In the future, I will try to create some new creative products made from straw like this to help farmers earn more income from discarded materials and promote the traditional values typical of Vietnamese villages," artisan Tan Phat added.

Tourists and children enjoy the experience of making products shaped like buffaloes and horses from straw.

Children are excited about new products made from straw by artisan Nguyen Tan Phat.

New horse shaped product made from straw.

Buffalo shaped product.

Artisan Nguyen Tan Phat (born in 1983) is a typical example of self- discovery and practice of lacquer art. Up to now, during 22 years of association, there were periods when he went to craft villages to learn the quintessence from veteran artisans and the exchange and learning were still increasingly enriched on a wider scale.

In the near future, artisan Nguyen Tan Phat cherishes the plan to be able to string together the lacquer heritage into cultural and artistic activities throughout the journey from Mia Pagoda - a sacred mark with the lacquer statue heritage - to connect with today's story in a methodical, engaging way, creating a widespread influence.

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nghe-nhan-nguyen-tan-phat-bien-rom-ra-thanh-nhung-mon-do-choi-dan-gian-doc-dao-post314521.html