In the heart of Hung Yen province, the air is perfumed with a distinct aroma signaling the presence of Cao Thon village, a bastion of traditional incense stick craftsmanship that is now embracing modern technology to enhance both the quality and production of its renowned product.
Traveling along Highway 5 towards Hung Yen city's Bao Khe commune, one is greeted by the unmistakable scent of incense, a herald of nearing Cao Thon village. For over a century, this village has been dedicated to the art of incense stick production, supplying not only the domestic markets of Hanoi and other northern Vietnamese provinces but also reaching customers in neighboring countries.
Local producers, like the one who welcomed us into his workshop, primarily engage in wholesale transactions. However, they are always ready to accommodate visitors looking to purchase incense directly from the source. Inside the workshop, the air is thick with the fragrance of incense dust and other materials, while outside, workers meticulously arrange the sticks on bamboo frames to dry under the afternoon sun, which imparts a golden hue to the product.
Nguyen Thi Hang, a seasoned worker with a decade of experience at the age of 25, shares her perspective on the craft. Contrary to the perception of the job being laborious and unclean, she finds it manageable and has no desire to pursue a different livelihood, having been involved in incense making since childhood.
As we capture the scene, the setting sun casts a warm glow over the workshop, highlighting the vibrant colors of the incense dust and reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of the village.
Our journey leads us to the home of Mai Huu Phai, a 50-year-old craftsman whose residence doubles as an incense-making workshop. Amidst the various piles of incense scattered throughout his home, Phai proudly showcases his two state-of-the-art machines from Taiwan, each costing VND30 million. These machines represent the village's foray into modernization, promising stronger, longer-lasting fragrances due to the improved embedding of ingredients into the wood.
While traditional incense sticks are priced at VND40,000 per batch of 100, the machine-made counterparts command an additional VND10,000, reflecting the enhanced quality. Phai anticipates that the noticeable increase in productivity from his workshop will soon become the norm across Cao Thon, with other workshops likely to adopt the imported technology.
The introduction of modern machinery has not only revolutionized incense production but also improved living conditions within Cao Thon. Craftsmen like Phai play a crucial role in preserving the village's cultural heritage by educating the younger generation in both traditional and contemporary incense-making techniques.
Furthermore, the formation of the Hung Yen business association in 2009 has provided a platform for local artisans to sustain and evolve their traditional crafts. With the support of skilled craftsmen like Phai, the local government, and new technology, Cao Thon's incense trade is poised to maintain its cultural essence while advancing in capacity and quality.
The integration of modern technology in traditional crafts like incense making is a trend that is gaining traction globally. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global incense sticks market size was valued at USD 15.45 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is attributed to factors such as the increasing importance of aromatherapy and the rising demand for home fragrance products.
In Vietnam, the incense stick industry is not only a cultural emblem but also a significant contributor to the rural economy. The adoption of modern technology in villages like Cao Thon is a testament to the balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation for sustainable growth.
For more insights into the global incense market and its trends, you can refer to the comprehensive report by Grand View Research here.
As Cao Thon village continues to blend age-old techniques with modern advancements, it stands as a shining example of how cultural industries can thrive in the modern era, ensuring that the rich scent of tradition continues to permeate the air for generations to come.
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