The Last Woodturner of To Tich Street: A Journey with Mr. Le Dinh Thang 2023
For over three decades, Mr. Le Dinh Thang has been turning wood on To Tich Street in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, Vietnam. According to Mr. Le Dinh Thang, he is among the last woodturning artisans, perhaps in all of Southeast Asia.
In today's world, there is a growing demand for cheap, repeatable, machine-made products driven by consumerism. While technology has advanced significantly, creativity often seems to be taking a back seat. Modern designs tend towards minimalism, lacking the unique, intricate details that once defined handcrafted items.
One Google Translate conversation with Mr. Le Dinh Thang turned into spending a few days in his shop, observing and documenting his incredible craft. I had the privilege of exploring the creative woodturning process that he learned from his ancestors. He inherited the business from his father in the early '90s after completing his term with the military.
During my time with him, Mr. Le Dinh Thang introduced me to his wife and two daughters and showed me around the block to meet some of his lifelong friends. He generously shared his world with me, offering insights into both his craft and his life.
A highlight of my visit was sharing a hot cup of the finest Vietnamese tea from the mountains of Ha Giang with Mr. Le Dinh Thang. He also introduced me to his handmade wooden tobacco bong. The first time I tried it, I was immediately humbled. As soon as I exhaled, I experienced the most intense head rush, feeling as though the tobacco had taken my soul and sent me into another dimension. Seeing my reaction, Mr. Le Dinh Thang gave me a thumbs up with a sly grin, and we both began to laugh. Despite the overwhelming sensation, it was a moment of shared joy and cultural exchange, leaving me with a profound sense of euphoria.
This experience not only allowed me to document the artistry of a master woodturner but also provided a deep connection to the cultural and personal history of Mr. Le Dinh Thang. His dedication to his craft, despite the pressures of modern consumerism, is a testament to the enduring value of traditional artistry.
