With a passion for painting since childhood, the young man from Hue not only painted his poetic homeland on conical hats but also guided many foreign tourists to create their own hats. unique, typical of Hue.

Phan Quang Nhat (30 years old) has been passionate about painting since childhood. From 6 years ago, with love for Hue’s homeland, Japan began to paint landscapes and landscapes of the ancient capital on traditional conical hats.

Before turning to paint on conical hats, Japan has more than 6 years of specializing in silk painting. 

Initially experimenting with painting on conical hats, Japan failed because the rough surface of the conical hat was far from the smooth smooth surface of silk paintings. Undeterred, he still persistently learned from experience, drawing smoother next time.

“It took nearly two years of tinkering and meticulousness before I had my first finished conical hats. I don’t remember how many hats I damaged during that time,” Nhat shared.

Different from the colors painted on other materials such as paper, silk, the colors used to paint the conical hat are carefully selected by this guy, so that the watercolors are durable over time and do not affect the weather when customers use them. use.

In addition to the traditional designs and colors, Japan always tries to explore and create new products for the market.

Hue is known as the city of scenic spots. It is also the inspiration for Japan to be creative with the conical hat. The image of Truong Tien Bridge, Thien Mu Pagoda, the poetic Perfume River or the charming Ao Dai of a female student was put into a conical hat by the young artist in a very gentle and emotional way.

Each conical hat after being finished will be sold at a price ranging from 60-150 thousand VND(3-5$)/piece, depending on the size and model.

Nearly a year ago, when the tourism industry was shifting toward recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, many travel companies contacted Japan and placed orders. Every day, Japan can draw 40-50 hats.

In addition to conical hats, Japan also paints pictures on bamboo mats. Products with compact size gradually become souvenirs chosen by travel companies.

Recently, the artist’s small house in Thuy Bieu Ward, Hue City has become a stopover for many domestic and foreign tourists to visit and experience painting on conical hats.

Anna (French tourist) shared: “I really enjoyed this experience and I love the image of the conical hat and the Vietnamese ao dai. I will bring this hand-painted hat back to my country.”

The product of conical hats painted in the hometown of young man Phan Quang Nhat has followed tourists around the world. The source of income from his passion for painting and love for his homeland helps him to support himself, to support his family and to nurture his dream of promoting the beauty of his homeland and country.