How We Source Our Fabric
Vietnam has emerged as a significant player in the textile industry, including large fabric printing factories. These factories specialise in printing large-scale 2D images on fabric. Large fabric printing factories can be found in major cities across Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Binh Duong.
Fabric printing factories in Vietnam employ various printing techniques to transfer images onto fabric. The most common methods include screen printing and digital printing. Large fabric printing factories in Vietnam are equipped to handle custom design requests. They offer design assistance, including digital mock-ups and colour matching, to ensure accurate and vibrant results. Clients can provide their own artwork or collaborate with in-house designers to create unique prints.
The large fabric printing factories play a crucial role in the production and distribution of fabric to create lanterns in Hội An, Quang Nam. These factories are responsible for printing the vibrant and intricate designs that make the silk fabrics so special. When it comes to Hội An, the birthplace of lantern-making, there is a distinct approach to sourcing unique silk fabric, hunting for fabrics can be challenging and fun!
Hội An, holds a rich history as an ancient town that thrived during the maritime silk road. One of the most iconic symbols of Hội An's cultural heritage is the lantern. Lanterns have played a significant role in the town's history and continue to be a distinctive feature of its identity.
Lantern-making in Hội An initially served as a practical solution to illuminate the port, streets, houses, and boats. However, over time, the craft evolved into an art form that reflected the unique cultural fusion of the region. The lanterns became an integral part of Hội An's festivals, religious ceremonies, and everyday life.
This historical background has deeply influenced the local lantern-making industry. In this quaint town, there is a primary fabric supplier that caters to the local lantern shops. This supplier is a small family-owned business that has been creating silk prints for generations. They have diligently maintained the tradition of designing and updating the colours and patterns of the fabrics. Their commitment to innovation has ensured that the lanterns produced in Hội An continue to captivate locals and tourists alike.
The silk fabrics come in a wide array of colours and patterns, reminiscent of a vibrant rainbow. They reflect the changing seasons and are often influenced by different themes. Each print can be considered a limited edition due to the nature of the textile industry. This exclusivity adds to the appeal of the lanterns made with these unique silk fabrics. When customers purchase a lantern crafted from these limited-edition silk fabrics, they are acquiring a piece of art that holds both cultural and historical significance.
For those seeking even more variety or searching for silk fabrics that are no longer available in Hội An, a trip to Da Nang, the closest city, is recommended. The markets in Da Nang are bustling hubs of activity. As you navigate through the market stalls, you may find yourself being pulled by enthusiastic vendors, urging you to explore their collection saying, "Look here!" The vibrant atmosphere of the markets can be overwhelming, but it reminds you of the passion and determination that drives your quest for the perfect fabric.
Among the multitude of fabrics available in Da Nang, it is essential to identify the ones of superior quality. The discerning lantern maker prefers silk fabric with a high thread count and strength. Fabrics that are too weak or stretchy can present problems when creating the final effect of the lantern. Pulling such delicate silk fabric too hard might result in a distorted design or stretched print. On the other hand, if the silk fabric is too thick and stiff, it will be challenging to attach it securely to the bamboo structure of the lantern. The choice of the right fabric is a crucial factor in ensuring the durability and aesthetic appeal.
Hội An lanterns are traditionally made using fabric materials that resemble silk but are not made of real silk. There are a few reasons for this:
Cost: Real silk is a luxurious and expensive material. It requires a complex and time-consuming process to produce, including silkworm cultivation, cocoon harvesting, and silk thread extraction. The cost of real silk fabric would significantly increase the price of Hội An lanterns, making them less accessible to a wider market.
Durability: While real silk has a luxurious feel and appearance, it is relatively delicate and can be prone to damage. Hội An lanterns are often used for decorative purposes and need to withstand outdoor conditions, including wind and rain. Using a fabric material that is more durable than real silk ensures that the lanterns can maintain their structural integrity and longevity.
Availability: Real silk production is not as common or readily available in large quantities as other synthetic or blended fabric materials. Hội An lanterns are produced in larger quantities to meet the demand from tourists and buyers. Using alternative fabric materials that are more readily available ensures a consistent supply for production.
Versatility: Synthetic or blended fabric materials offer a wider range of colours, patterns, and textures compared to real silk. This allows for more creativity and customisation in the design of Hội An lanterns. These fabric materials can be easily dyed and printed on, providing a diverse selection of vibrant and eye-catching lanterns.
It's important to note that while Hội An lanterns may not be made of real silk, they still retain their aesthetic appeal and charm. The chosen fabric materials are selected to provide durability, affordability, and a range of design possibilities, making Hội An lanterns accessible to a broader audience while maintaining their cultural significance.
The process of hunting for unique silk fabric in Hội An's markets is an adventure filled with cultural significance and artistic exploration. From the historical roots of the town to the small family-owned fabric supplier and the bustling markets of Da Nang, every step of the journey contributes to the creation of exquisite lanterns. The careful selection of high-quality silk fabric and the acceptance of imperfections in the handmade process ultimately result in lanterns that are not just decorative pieces but also storytelling artefacts that connect people to the rich traditions of Hội An and the beauty of Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Here is a link to a fascinating documentary that explains the complex production process in detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuR2x0lorLg
