Ruptly
"In Hue, artisan Vo Ngoc Hung, affectionately referred to as the ‘King of Leaves,’ redefines the phrase ‘turn over a new leaf,’ skillfully transforming ordinary forest leaves into durable art pieces that are both usable and wearable, such as fans, umbrellas, handbags, and the iconic conical hats. Footage captured on Tuesday reveals Vo’s workshop nestled in the historic Kim Long ward of Hue, which serves as both a quaint home studio and a living natural museum. Visitors are invited to experience the traditional craft firsthand or engage in interactive leaf-art classes in this intimate, family-operated space. “The first step is to select and harvest the leaves. After that, I soak them; prior to soaking, I boil them in a baking soda solution to eliminate the odour of decomposing leaves. Once soaked for about one and a half months, I clean the leaves with a brush, ensuring that only the leaf veins remain,” Hung says on the process. “After brushing, I inspect and remove any remaining stains, then proceed to arrange and shape the conical hat,” he adds. “I aim to explore new and innovative elements, rather than strictly follow traditional methods, for I realise I can never compare to the essence they’ve held for hundreds of years. To innovate, you must believe in yourself; regardless of success or failure, you alone are responsible,” he shares. Employing a meticulous technique, Vo processes almond tree leaves, stripping away pulp to create delicate, lace-like skeletons that are layered, sewn, and adorned with iconic scenes. Under Hung's skilled hands, delicate leaves are ‘reborn’ to carry the distinctive imagery of the Perfume River and Ngu Mountain region. "
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