An exhibition featuring traditional lanterns modeled after designs from the early 1900s recently opened in Ho Chi Minh City. 

These classical lantern styles were brought to life by Khoi Dang Tac Khi, a lantern workshop known for recreating old-fashioned Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns and promoting them to customers from around the globe.

Titled 'Tầm và Tập,' the exhibition aims to recreate a nostalgic atmosphere for visitors during the Mid-Autumn Festival and has been a big hit amongst guests of all ages.

The exhibition is currently open at 187 Bach Dang Street in Tan Binh District and features 70 lanterns of all sizes made out of traditional materials like phyllostachys (a genus of Asian bamboo), cellophane, and dó paper – a special material made from the inner bark of a dó tree and traditionally produced in Vietnamese villages.

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted with visual presentations that detail the history of traditional lanterns, the intricate lantern-making process, and, of course, stunning lanterns.

Among the standout pieces is the 'Dai Long' lantern, which was crafted by ten artisans over 400 hours and measures 10 meters long.

“This year is the Year of the Dragon, so we wanted a piece that represents both the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Lunar New Year,” said Nguyen Thi Hong Ban, a representative of the organizing team.

“The 'Dai Long' lantern is the largest and most intricate work we’ve created to date.”

According to Ban, it took around a year for the creators to conceptualize the lantern and choose its details, color, shape, and framework. 

"Once the design was finalized, it took ten artisans 220 hours to craft the dragon's head and 150 hours to complete its tail and body,” Ban said.

“The lantern can be easily disassembled and reassembled, making it convenient for transportation."

The frame of the lantern is made from phyllostachys and the cellophane which covers the lantern was picked to an exact thickness, while the colors also perfectly blend and match.

“Our hope is that young people will see how our ancestors created intricate and sophisticated toys hundreds of years ago and we have to preserve and promote this long-standing culture to people around the world,” Ban said. 

The 'Tầm và Tập' exhibition, which will run until September 20, offers five viewing sessions each day from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with each session lasting one hour.

Tickets cost VND50,000 (US$2.04) for adults and VND40,000 ($1.63) for children.

In addition to the lantern display, the expo space also features cải lương performances, a traditional Vietnamese singing style popular in the southern region. 

Cam Uyen, a resident of Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, stumbled upon this exhibition through social media videos, and said it was fascinating to see the lanterns while listening to cải lương.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our culture,” she said. 

“The lanterns are stunning. I never realized how intricate and detailed the lanterns our ancestors played with were. It's a pity that not many people use these types of lanterns anymore.”

There is expected to be a hát bội (classical Vietnamese opera) show at the venue on September 16, with tickets fetching VND380,000-400,000 ($15.46-16.27).

The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month in some Asian countries such as Vietnam, China, and South Korea.

It is one of the biggest child-oriented occasions in Vietnam, with lanterns being an indispensable symbol of the fest. 

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 17.

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