The Plight of Ho Chi Minh City’s Master Lantern Artisans

Supply Falls Short of Demand

Vo Thi Kim Nhu, a 60-year-old lantern maker and seller for over 25 years, shared that while traditional lanterns remain popular for their nostalgic and antique appeal, the number of artisans has dwindled, leading to a significant decrease in the supply of these lanterns.

Each artisan can only produce 20-30 star and fish-shaped lanterns per day. Larger custom lanterns can take up to a week to complete, given the intricate work involved.

Lanterns come in various sizes, colors, and materials, resulting in a range of prices. Smaller lanterns cost around 15,000-20,000 VND, while larger ones can fetch prices from a few hundred thousand to a few million dong.

“Crafting a traditional lantern involves over ten steps, from splitting bamboo and shaping wire to forming, gluing paper, and painting patterns,” explained Ms. Nhu. “Aside from selecting the right materials, one must also choose paper with the right level of gloss. However, the true test of a lantern’s beauty lies in the skill and artistry of the maker.”

Ms. Nhu reminisced about the past when hundreds of households were engaged in the trade. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the entire village would be awash in red paper, creating a stunning visual spectacle. However, over time, older artisans retired, and younger generations showed little interest in continuing the tradition.

Regarding this year’s business, Ms. Nhu shared that sales have been sluggish so far. Orders from charities and schools, which were once a significant source of revenue, have yet to materialize, and most of their sales are coming from other provinces.

A Dying Art

Nguyen Quoc Binh, a 68-year-old lantern maker with over 30 years of experience, expressed concern about the gradual decline of this traditional craft. He attributed this partly to the lack of successors, as younger generations seem to lack the passion for creating traditional lanterns.

According to Mr. Binh, the seasonal nature of the trade, with lanterns primarily sold during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the unpredictable pricing have made it less appealing to younger family members as a long-term career choice.

“This trade is only active from the sixth lunar month until the Mid-Autumn Festival,” Mr. Binh shared. “Pricing can be unpredictable, and there have been years when we couldn’t sell our lanterns. As a result, many young people opt for more stable careers, and those who do choose this path often need a secondary source of income.”

When asked about the future of this once-vibrant trade, Mr. Binh’s eyes saddened with worry. He inherited the trade from his father, and it seems that it will end with him. “In a few years, I won’t have the strength to continue,” he said. “I hope that younger generations will take an interest and keep this long-standing tradition alive in Ho Chi Minh City. I’m willing to teach anyone who wants to learn.”

The artisans shared their concerns about the increasing presence of mass-produced paper lanterns with plastic frames in the market. These modern lanterns, with their diverse designs and affordable prices, are threatening the market share of traditional lanterns.