“Tò he”, a traditional Vietnamese toy, has been a part of the spiritual life of many generations. Amid today's abundance of technological games, the discussion on how to preserve and promote this cultural beauty remains ongoing. Yet, in the bustling streets, a colourful table of “tò he”, surrounded by the laughter of children, proves that folk art still lives on in its own unique way.

Mr. Le Minh Thanh contributes to preserving the craft of making "tò he." Photo: T.A.

Finding simplicity

"Poor but professional," Mr Le Minh Thanh, 48 years old, Hoa Phat Ward, Cam Le District, summarised his fascinating career of making tò he. More than anyone, he understands every detail, every aspect surrounding this craft. Recalling his childhood when his parents would give him breakfast money, Thanh would save it up to buy tò he figures sold at the school gate. Back then, buying a “tò he” meant skipping two meals. Determined, young Thanh started teaching himself to create “tò he”. Without proper materials, he used river clay to mould simple shapes. By the age of 15, Mr Thanh took his first steps into the tò he-making profession.

Later, Mr Thanh travelled to the North to study and develop his own formula. After more than a year of research, the "three parts rice, one part sticky rice" formula emerged, which provides the best flexibility and stability for shaping “tò he”. He now travels daily, selling “tò he” in Da Nang and Quang Nam, while cleverly embedding stories from his journeys into his creations.

According to Mr. Thanh, the craft of making "tò he" is gradually fading as artisans are less inclined to pass on their skills to the younger generation, coupled with the low economic value of the products. He believes that preserving this craft requires passion rather than just a means of livelihood. To address this issue, he is planning to offer free classes on making "tò he" for young people, where he will not only teach the craft but also provide materials for free. His goal is to preserve and pass on this cultural beauty to future generations.

With the belief that if everyone chases new trends, traditional values will be forgotten, Mr. Thanh is determined to preserve the art of "tò he." He even promises a lifetime exchange policy for all "tò he" products for his customers, ensuring that his passion and love for the craft remain intact. This commitment helps turn strangers into acquaintances, fostering a sense of community.

As society continues to evolve, Mr. Thanh recognizes the challenges faced by "tò he" in maintaining its place in the modern world. Nevertheless, he perseveres, continuously honing his skills and creativity. Every "tò he" figurine he creates is unique, not following any set patterns, and always infused with deep emotions.

"Tò he" figurines captivate children. Photo: T.A.

Opening path to preserving cultural beauty

One of the fascinating aspects of “tò he” modelling is that it helps participants develop memory and flexibility in problem-solving. The eyes focus on every detail, while the mind calculates the shades of colour and "draws" the model in imagination. After this process, the modeller produces a unique, intricate creation. The completed “tò he” figure reflects the inner thoughts and emotions of the artist. Additionally, in the player's mind, beauty gradually replaces imperfections, leading to a more balanced and stable outlook on life.

Holding a newly crafted “tò he” figure, Mr Thanh shares: "Even when we are filled with negative energy and few positive feelings, sitting at the “tò he” table allows artistic emotions to override everything around. The joy reappears while working, which is the value of art. In the past, I only dreamt of having enough money to buy a tiny “tò he”. Now, looking back, I realise I’ve mastered this craft, so whenever possible, I aim to showcase and introduce “tò he” modelling to others."

Over the past year, several primary and secondary schools in Quang Nam province have started organising tò he modelling classes and competitions. Mr. Thanh personally supervises these groups, incorporating traditional games into formal lessons. This approach is seen as an effective method, enhancing students' cognitive activity while fostering community ties. Each generation of students gains a deeper understanding of a gradually fading cultural tradition.

In his 33 years of practising the craft, there were times when family responsibilities forced Mr. Thanh to take a break, during which his hands became stiff and unable to shape tò he. From his own experience, he believes that when passing on the craft to others, one must see it through to the end and avoid sudden interruptions.

Each day brings new opportunities for Mr. Thanh to continue promoting the values of traditional culture and art. Inspired by tò he, Mr Ha Lam Son, a manager of a café in Hoa Xuan Ward, Cam Le District, organised a tò he experience session for customers.

As someone with a love for rustic, old-fashioned charm, Sơn remarked: "In modern life, spaces reminiscent of the countryside will connect people of all ages. Mr. Thạnh's story of bringing “tò he” to the streets resonates with our ideas. Watching children enjoy “tò he”, with their parents chatting nearby, shows us that we need to create more of these traditional experiences. We are also developing a display area featuring farming tools and village products. Weekends will be a time for families to come together and explore folk culture. This space will be ideal for Mr. Thanh to engage with the community."

At the “tò he” table, surrounded by straw still damp from recent use, familiar children's figures such as superheroes, carp turning into dragons, Pokémon, and animals take shape in Mr. Thanh's hands. Not only the children but also their parents are often surprised to see their childhood memories come to life in the heart of the city.

And so, Mr Le Minh Thanh continues on his journey to rediscover the old ways. Every day, his hands diligently blend colours for the tò he, strengthening the invisible bonds that connect the community.

Reporting by TRUONG AN - Translating by TRUC VY