Leathercraft

Ha Trung Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi is one of the streets bearing the marks of time and the ups and downs of the capital's history. The name Ha Trung evokes an image of an ancient Hanoi, with traditional craft wards and the distinctive urban lifestyle of its residents. According to historical records and documents, the Ha Trung Street area was once a gathering place for talented artisans, especially craft villages related to tanning and the production of leather goods. The development of this trade shaped part of the street's identity, turning it into an important trading center that supplied quality leather products to the whole region.

According to historical documents on craft streets, leather goods making in Ha Trung emerged around the early 20th century, associated with Mr. Thach Van Ngu, a native of Nanh village (Ninh Hiep, Gia Lam, Hanoi). While serving as a conscript laborer for the French, he learned Western shoemaking techniques, horse harness stitching, and how to make leather items. After returning, he opened a leather goods workshop on Ha Trung Street and passed the trade on to his children and fellow villagers. Since then, many Ninh Hiep families came to Ha Trung to settle and develop the trade together, creating a distinctive craft street in the heart of Hanoi.

Previously, Ha Trung artisans mainly produced leather shoes, horse harnesses, suitcases, schoolbags, and household items. To make a product, artisans had to go through many stages such as selecting materials, measuring, cutting leather, creating forms, stitching, assembling, and finishing. Each stage required skill, precision, and experience accumulated over many years in the trade.

Along with the development of social life, the leather goods trade in Ha Trung has constantly changed to meet market demand. Products have become increasingly diverse in style, material, and function, from handbags, wallets, belts, and footwear to motorcycle seat covers, car seat covers, cushions, and made-to-order leather and faux-leather items. In addition to new production, many shops also repair and restore handbags, shoes, leather jackets, and leather items, helping to maintain the artisans' craft skills.

What is valuable about Ha Trung craft street is the combination of traditional experience and the ability to adapt to modern life. Over many generations, artisans have preserved meticulousness in every cut and stitch while also innovating to meet customers' increasingly rich tastes and needs.

Today, although the appearance of the streets has changed considerably, the leather goods making and trading trade remains a memorable mark in Ha Trung's development history. The shops, workshops, and diligent artisans here contribute to the unique identity of a Hanoi craft street.

Ha Trung Street not only tells the story of products made from leather but also tells the story of the journey of establishing a livelihood, passing on the trade, and preserving the skills of generations of artisans. This is part of the cultural value of a traditional craft, contributing to the richness and diversity of life in Hanoi's Old Quarter.