Jewelry artisan in Hue boasts his award winning collection

By Nguyen Dong February 13, 2021 | 07:09 am PT

Jewelery craftsman Tran Duy Mong of Ke Mon goldsmithy village in Thua Thien-Hue Province remains sharp and detail-oriented after 50 years in business.

Ke Mon village in Hur City’s Dien Mon Commune, Phong Dien District, has for long been known for the craft of making fine metal decorations. The craft is traced back to the 18th century and its progenitor is the talented goldsmith, Cao Dinh Do, who came all the way from Thanh Hoa Province XXX km away to Hue to serve the king. Mong is one of the few people to help preserve the craft and develop new designs, which he does along with his daughter.

Ke Mon Village in Dien Mon Commune of the central province's Phong Dien District has for long been known for the craft of making fine metal decorations.
The craft is traced back to the early 19th century and its progenitor is the talented goldsmith, Cao Dinh Do, who came all the way from Thanh Hoa Province over 500 km away to Hue to serve the king. Hue was home to the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam's last royal family (1802-1945).
Tran Duy Mong is one of the few people to help preserve the craft and develop new designs, which he does along with his daughter.

Born in a family that has for generations been making jewelry, Mong has equipped himself with vocational skills level 7/7 (has no meaning). He draws (same as sketches?) and makes products with excellent workmanship.

Born in a family that has for generations been making jewelry, Mong has equipped himself with sophisticated skills.

One of his most impressive works is a pair of royal shoes, which won the third prize at the Vietnam Craft Award VI held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2009.

The ‘royal folding fan’ won the bronze prize in the Handicraft as a Souvenir category for Hue Tourism in 2008.

Mong makes a range of products, from traditional wedding jewelry to everyday objects such as mirrors, cups and plates.

He also creates images of Hue’s historical sites and natural wonders on silverware such as the Meridian Gate and Thien Mu Pagoda. After the exhibition, he has expanded his business to respond to customers’ needs.

He also creates images of Hue’s historical sites and natural wonders on silverware such as the Meridian Gate (Ngo Mon) and Thien Mu Pagoda. After his exhibitions, Mong has produced them in various sizes to meet customers' demand.

These conical silver hats require painstaking work to make.

A necklace with a stylized pendant resembling a lotus, the national flower of Vietnam, that won the first prize at the 2017 Hue Traditional Handicraft Festival.

This gold-plated picture of Rong (Dragon) Bridge in Da Nang was commissioned by the Da Nang People’s Committee for the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting. His gold-plating techniques have been used to make other works like Hue City and Truong Tien Bridge.

This gold-plated picture of Rong (Dragon) Bridge in Da Nang City was commissioned by the Da Nang People’s Committee for the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting.
Mong's gold-plating techniques have been used to make other works like Hue Imperial Citadel and Truong Tien Bridge, a symbol of the ancient town.

Two young women admire an ao dai with Mong’s silver decoration.

Two young women admire an ao dai (traditional dress) with Mong’s silver decoration.

Mong in his showroom, Tinh Tam Kim Co, at 278 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hue City. In 2016 he won the president’s honor as an artisan. (gibberish) His showroom has historical pieces of metal jewelry from his hometown, Ke Mon goldsmith village, and his masterpieces over the course of 50 years as a metal artisan. His large place with a garden attracts metalwork from visitors from across the country.

Mong in his showroom, Tinh Tam Kim Co, at 278 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hue.
In 2016 he won the State President’s honor as a talented artisan.
His showroom has historical pieces of metal jewelry from his hometown, Ke Mon goldsmith village, and his masterpieces over the course of 50 years as a metal artisan. His large place with a garden and metalworks attracts visitors from across the country.