Bleeding trees

The next morning, we got up early and were lucky enough to assis the lacquer harvesting, witnesses of a timeless tradition transmitted in this family for generations.

The production and use of the lacquer is a very complex process that requires a particular know-how not learned in any school. Rather, the tapper transmits their heritage from generation to generation. And no technological development can be use : the natural resin is extremely fragile and must be harvested by hand.

So every morning, around 3am– sunlight is very damaging for the resin – the uncles leave the house and make their way to the plantation.

Two steps are necessary to complete the harvest. First the uncles must do “V” shaped incision of approximately 5cm depth directly in the trunk of the tree to collect the valuable resin. Which would explain why traditionally, tappers are called bleeder… Like maple water, the resin runs along the notch and is collect in a seashell made cup simply planted in the tree.

The resin needs to run for a few hours before the uncles can go back and collect it. This step is done by using a small brush to transfer the product in a hermetic container where it will be stored until further use. Harvesting can be carried out all year long although winter months usually prove less productive. However, a tree is never harvested two days in a row. A pause of three to fours days between each notch is necessary to allow the tree to regenerate.

Several additional stages are essential to turn the natural resin into high quality lacquer. It first needs to be filtered before it can get churned for several hours. Once that is finished, the resin must then be mixed with various types of natural oils before it is ready to use.

Next post : the origine of natural lacquer and the difficulties producer have to face. Have a good monday everyone! H.

Higher!

When came back from our nice cruise in Halong bay just in time to meet our group for what turned out to be the BEST part of this trip...

Off we were up north to the Yen Bai province for a three-day visit to the hill tribes. This visit was special in many ways: not only were we to live with some family of the Dao community but also were to witness the century-old tradition of lacquer harvesting.

We drove a little over three hours on the back roads north of Hanoi to reach the tapper’s hideaway. The ride took us far away from the noise and pollution of Hanoi and allowed us to saunter postcard like scenery. Next to us, the Red river, then the Clear River, and finally the Black river. To our left, the calm and grey lazy water reflects a red setting sun. To our right, field worker are slowly getting back home, walking on a dam build to protect the fields and dwellings. Magical.

We arrived at destination in Song Thao as the sun completely sets. We were obviously expected: glasses are filled as soon as we step in the courtyard next to the old tapper’s house. Our host happily hugs one of the tapper and introduces him as is “uncle”. We are here among family, the uncle smiles around and, for a second, the language barrier disappeared. After the long road, our first meal is welcome and whatever shyness one might had quickly dissolved in the general relaxed and family atmosphere. This was priceless, and this was only the beginning...

H.