Books of history and legends talk of how Imperial Concubine Y Lan taught palace maids embroidery techniques in the 11th century of the Ly Dynasty. But the craft did not really blossom until 600 years later when Le Cong Hanh returned home from his king’s envoy term in China.
Hanh who was a villager of Quat Dong, Thuong Tin District now on the outskirts of Hanoi brought back the embroidery craft of the Chinese and gave it to his neighbours and residents in surrounding communes. He was then honoured with the Ancestor of Quat Dong Embroidery.
The beauty and quality of the village’s products grew in reputation and became a favourite of royal mandarins and dignitaries in Thang Long (Hanoi today).
Although the skills spread across the country, works by Quat Dong’s artisans are still most appreciated.
