Cat Dang Lacquer Village – Over 600 Years of Spun Bamboo Core Lacquerware Heritage in Vietnam

Cat Dang Lacquer Village is one of Vietnam’s most representative traditional craft villages, where the art of lacquerware has not only been preserved but also developed in a unique direction: Spun bamboo core lacquerware. With a history spanning more than 600 years, the village has transformed humble natural materials such as bamboo and rattan into refined handicraft products that are now present in both domestic and international markets.

Along this long journey of preservation and innovation, Thanh Nam Arts Joint Stock Company, with more than 25 years of experience in the handicraft industry, has become one of the key enterprises closely connected to Cat Dang Village. By inheriting traditional techniques while applying professional production standards, Thanh Nam has contributed to bringing Cat Dang lacquerware to global markets in a sustainable and systematic way.

1. Overview of Cat Dang Lacquer Village

Cat Dang Lacquer Village is located in Yen Tien Commune, Y Yen District, Nam Dinh Province—an area well known for its long-standing handicraft traditions in northern Vietnam. Among these craft villages, Cat Dang is regarded as the cradle of bamboo-core lacquerware, a distinctive development compared to conventional wood-based lacquerware found elsewhere.

Products from the village serve not only everyday use but also high aesthetic purposes, widely applied in:

• Interior decoration
• High-end household items
• Handicraft gifts
• Export-oriented lacquerware products

Today, many of these products are developed and supplied to international markets through experienced local manufacturers, including Thanh Nam, which has built its reputation on quality, craftsmanship, and long-term partnerships.

Thanh Nam Arts JSC – Where Cat Dang Lacquer Village Craft Meets Spun Bamboo Design:

Thanh Nam Arts JSC is a Vietnamese manufacturer rooted in the heritage of Cat Dang Lacquer Village, where generations of artisans have shaped lacquer and bamboo craftsmanship. Specializing in Spun Bamboo and natural material products, we work closely with local workshops to refine traditional techniques into contemporary, export-ready designs. With a strong focus on quality consistency, sustainable materials, and international standards, Thanh Nam Arts JSC delivers handcrafted collections for global brands and design-focused markets.

2. Historical Development of Cat Dang Lacquer Village

According to historical records and local oral traditions, the lacquer craft in Cat Dang Lacquer Village dates back to around the 11th century. Two revered founding masters, Ngo Dung and Dinh Ba, are believed to have passed down lacquer techniques to local villagers.

In its early days, the community mainly produced bamboo and rattan household items. Over time, traditional lacquer techniques were incorporated to:

• Increase durability
• Improve moisture resistance
• Enhance aesthetic value

Through centuries of continuity, lacquerware gradually became the main livelihood of Cat Dang villagers and an integral part of their cultural and spiritual life.

3. Spun Bamboo Core Lacquerware – The Soul of Cat Dang

The reputation of Cat Dang Lacquer Village is defined by its mastery of spun bamboo core lacquerware, a harmonious combination of natural materials and traditional Vietnamese lacquer techniques.

Unlike industrial lacquerware, Cat Dang lacquerware is characterized by:

• Multiple hand-applied lacquer layers
• Natural drying between each layer
• Manual polishing to create depth and gloss
• Each piece bearing the personal imprint of the artisan

This meticulous craftsmanship elevates every product beyond functionality, transforming it into a genuine work of art. With its long-standing expertise, Thanh Nam Arts JSC plays a role in preserving these techniques while adapting designs and finishes to meet contemporary market expectations.

4. Traditional Production Process at Cat Dang Lacquer Village

The creation of spun bamboo core lacquerware in Cat Dang follows a strictly manual and highly refined process, maintained through generations of artisans and supported by professional production management.

With 25 years of hands-on experience, Thanh Nam Arts JSC – manufacturer – works closely with local workshops to standardize quality while respecting traditional craftsmanship—ensuring consistency, durability, and compliance with international export standards.

Thanh Nam’s Spun bamboo production process: https://thanhnamjsc.com.vn/process-of-making-spun-bamboo-handicraft/

Step 1. Choose the Raw Material

The first step in Process of Making Spun Bamboo Handicrafts. We start by selecting mature, solid bamboo with few knots and a beautiful natural color. The bamboo is then soaked in water for several days to weeks to remove sap and increase flexibility. After soaking, the bamboo is dried naturally in the sun, avoiding strong sunlight to prevent cracking. To protect against termites, we use either smoking or a Borax/Boric salt solution.

Step 2. Soak in Water (3-4 Months)

Step 2 in the production Process of Making Spun Bamboo The bamboo is soaked in water for 3-4 months to further remove sap and improve its flexibility. This process ensures that the bamboo is prepared for the next steps and ready for shaping.

Step 3. Dry in the Sun for 7 Days

Once soaked, the bamboo is sun-dried for up to 7 days to stabilize its moisture content. This step helps prevent the bamboo from warping and prepares it for the next stages of the manufacturing process.

Step 4. Split into Small Laths

The bamboo is then split into small laths lengthwise, typically 1-3 mm thick. The laths are smoothed with sandpaper to create an even surface, free of splinters or rough edges.

Step 5. Making Product Shapes

Once the bamboo laths are ready, the next step is to shape the product according to the desired design. The bamboo is softened by soaking or steaming, making it easier to bend and shape. The softened bamboo is then placed in molds and secured with wires or clamps until it takes its final shape.

Step 6. Smoothing the Surface (First Round)

After shaping, the bamboo is sanded to smooth out any rough spots and create a flawless surface. Fine sandpaper (typically 400–600 grit) is used to ensure the bamboo surface is even and ready for further treatment.

Step 7. Rub Stone – Powder Mix with Glue on the Surface

Once the surface is smooth, a mixture of stone powder and glue is applied to fill in any small pores or imperfections on the bamboo. This step enhances the bamboo’s durability and gives it a refined finish.

Step 8. Smoothing the Surface (Second Round)

After the stone powder mixture has dried, the bamboo undergoes a second round of smoothing. This process involves using fine sandpaper again to ensure a perfectly even surface, removing any excess mixture and preparing the bamboo for painting.

Step 9. Painting as Customer Requirement

The next step in Process of Making Spun Bamboo is painting the bamboo according to the customer’s specifications. The bamboo can be hand-painted with intricate designs, or finished with colored lacquer. We can also use special techniques such as eggshell inlay, gold leaf, silver leaf, or bamboo pen drawing. After each coat of paint, the product is left to dry and then lightly sanded before applying the next layer.

Step 10. Quality Check, Stamping, and Packaging

Once the painting process is complete, the product undergoes a final quality check to ensure it meets all design and finish requirements. After passing the inspection, each product is stamped with our brand logo for authenticity. Finally, the bamboo products are packed carefully using protective materials to ensure they arrive safely at their destination.

Step 11. Loading to Container – Ready to Serve

The final step Process of Making Spun Bamboo Handicrafts, involves loading the products into shipping containers. The bamboo products are securely packed to prevent any damage during transport. Once the container is sealed, the products are ready to serve, waiting to be delivered to customers around the world.

5. Cultural, Economic, and Sustainable Values of Cat Dang Lacquer Village

In the context of sustainable development, Cat Dang Lacquer Village delivers significant values:

• Preservation of traditional craft heritage
• Intergenerational transmission of artisanal skills
• Stable livelihoods for hundreds of local households
• Promotion of eco-friendly, renewable materials

Spun bamboo core lacquerware is increasingly appreciated for its sustainability, craftsmanship, and strong cultural identity.

6. The Role of Cat Dang Lacquer Village in Modern Life

Today, Cat Dang Lacquer Village continues to evolve, adapting traditional craftsmanship to modern demands:

• Contemporary living spaces
• High-end household products
• Interior décor
• Corporate and premium gifts
• Export-oriented handicrafts

The balance between heritage and modern design—supported by experienced manufacturers such as Thanh Nam Arts JSC – enables the village to thrive amid globalization while staying true to its roots.

Cat Dang Lacquer Village stands as a living testament to the enduring vitality of Vietnamese craftsmanship. Through the art of spun bamboo core lacquerware, and with the contribution of experienced enterprises like Thanh Nam Arts Joint Stock Company – Vietnam lacquerware supplier, the village not only creates beautiful and durable products but also tells a profound story of people, nature, and culture—one that has been carried forward for more than 600 years, and continues to grow in the modern world.

Partner with Thanh Nam Arts JSC to bring authentic Vietnamese craftsmanship to your next collection. Contact us today to explore customized designs, sustainable materials, and reliable manufacturing solutions tailored to your market.

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CÔNG TY CỔ PHẨN MỸ NGHỆ THÀNH NAM – THANH NAM ARTS JSC

Address: Road 10, Van Thang, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Website: https://thanhnamjsc.com.vn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thanhnamarts

Email: info@thanhnamjsc.com.vn

Mobile: +84 982986956 (Ms. Vanni Tran)

Whatsapp: +84982986956 (Ms. Vanni Tran)