Craft Village Tourism: Exploring Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang pottery village, located in Bat Trang commune, Gia Lam district, Hanoi city. The commune has two villages, both traditional craft villages: Giang Cao and Bat Trang. Craft Village Tourism: Exploring Bat Trang Pottery Village

Preserving the Timeless Legacy: Unraveling the Origins of Bat Trang Pottery Village

Over the ages, the captivating narrative of Bat Trang pottery village‘s origins continues to be shared from one generation to another. It all began during the Ly dynasty when the capital moved from Hoa Lu to Dai La, which later transformed into Thang Long. Under the king’s decree, skilled craftsmen from pottery villages like Vinh Ninh Trang, Bo Xuyen, and Bach Bat (Thanh Hoa – Ninh Binh) were authorized to establish a furnace and settle in a village called Bach Tho Phuong. Their purpose was to produce pottery and bricks for the flourishing feudal state, and as time passed, the village’s name evolved into the well-known Bat Trang.

Through the genealogy of numerous families in Bat Trang, it is evident that the art of pottery was brought to Bach Tho Phuong as a means of livelihood. For instance, the Tran Dong Cuc family genealogy proudly narrates how their ancestors, part of the 12 craftsmen selected by the king, were assigned to produce bricks for the imperial capital’s grand sarcophagus before delving into pottery making. This historical transition of relocating from their old hometowns to the new one spanned centuries, particularly during the Tran dynasty, and earlier during the Le dynasty and Revival Le Dynasty. By this period, Bat Trang saw the settlement of 20 families from the same old hometown, all engaged in the same cherished craft.

One of the village’s prized possessions is the Bat Trang communal house, adorned with 44 ordained titles of various feudal dynasties of Vietnam. Here, the village’s tutelary god is revered, and poetic couplets adorn its premises, symbolizing the craftsmanship’s sacred essence:

“Bồ di thủ nghệ khai đình vũ

Lan nhiệt tâm hương bái thánh thần”.

(Translated as: Bringing the craft from Bo village, building communal houses, shrines, and the people offering incense to worship the gods and saints).

An intriguing aspect of the worship at the Bat Trang communal house is the presence of the esteemed god, Bach Ma Dai Vuong, who serves as the tutelary god of Thang Long citadel and is also worshiped at Bach Ma Temple (Hang Buom). This temple holds a significant place as one of the four defending temples of Thang Long – Hanoi.

Historical records show that the name “Bat Trang” first appeared in the book “Đại Việt sử ký toàn thư.” Its prominence in the annals of the feudal state and its fame as a pottery-making hub solidified during the fourteenth century, with a history of construction and development spanning countless years before that.

Bat Trang village is not only celebrated for its exceptional pottery craftsmanship but also known for its academic and cultural heritage. Ancient bibliographies and inscriptions proudly document that Bat Trang boasts 364 individuals who successfully passed the Confucian exams of the feudal State, with eight of them achieving doctoral degrees. The village’s treasured relics, including communal houses, temples, pagodas, and literature documents, are lovingly preserved. Visitors to Bat Trang are deeply enchanted by the architectural wonders, exquisite ceramic products, and the warm hospitality of its people, leaving them with unforgettable and beautiful memories of their craft village. experience

A Timeless Legacy of Terracotta Craftsmanship and Renowned Bricks

Vietnamese ceramics Craft Village Tourism Exploring Bat Trang Pottery Village Craft Village Tourism

Bat Trang pottery village boasts an extensive array of products, all crafted from the same material – terracotta, which holds greater renown than even its pottery counterparts. However, it is worth noting that Bat Trang bricks have historically held a prestigious position, even preceding the fame of the pottery. Vietnamese folk songs beautifully capture the essence of Bat Trang bricks in their verses, singing praises of their size and color akin to the hue of chicken liver, distinguishing them from bricks of any other craft village in the country.

A key attribute of Bat Trang bricks lies in their exceptional fire resistance, making them a preferred choice for various construction projects. These bricks are skillfully arranged in boxes containing ceramic products that require firing inside the kiln. The repeated baking process enhances the longevity of constructions, ensuring minimal moss formation over time.

The legacy of Bat Trang bricks extends beyond the pottery village itself, as they grace the architectural wonders of prominent landmarks like Thang Long Citadel, Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam, communal houses, temples, pagodas, shrines, and even the lakes and wells of Vietnamese villages across the nation. A significant number of these bricks are found in the imperial city of Hue and the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, testament to their enduring quality and reputation.

In the early nineteenth century, during the construction of the Hue citadel and the royal tombs commissioned by the Nguyen Dynasty between 1805 and 1832, the talented artisans of Bat Trang were called upon to produce the finest bricks for these grand projects. Recognizing their invaluable contributions, King Tu Duc (1847 – 1883) bestowed the villagers with the prestigious title “Hiếu Nghĩa Cấp Công,” an honor proudly displayed at the village’s communal house.

Amidst the renown of Bat Trang bricks, Bat Trang pottery stands as another celebrated craft both within the country and on the global stage. The process of crafting pottery involves various stages, including meticulous selection of soil, processing soil mix, shaping the clay, creating intricate patterns, enameling, and finally, the crucial baking of the finished products.

Bat Trang’s skilled potters embody a profound philosophy as they perceive each pottery artifact as a living entity, a miniature universe harmoniously composed of the Five Elements – Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The artistry of Bat Trang pottery is an intricate communion with these elements, manifested through strict and precise technical processes, resulting in awe-inspiring works of art.

With a heritage that transcends time, Bat Trang pottery village continues to showcase its versatile craftsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the world stage and preserving its legacy for generations to come.

The Meticulous Artistry of Bat Trang Pottery: From Soil to Furnace, a Time-Honored Craft

Vietnamese ceramics Craft Village Tourism Exploring Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang pottery village‘s illustrious legacy stems from its intricate process of turning raw clay into exquisite works of art. The journey begins with the careful selection of clay, a process that once relied on a white clay mine within the village. However, as the source depleted, the artisans sought new clay deposits in neighboring northern provinces.

To prepare the soil for pottery making, Bat Trang follows a traditional method involving a series of four tanks. Water immersion and careful kneading yield a liquid mixture, which is then transferred to settling and drying tanks before composting. Depending on the desired pottery type, kaolin may be added to the mixture.

The skilled potters of Bat Trang shape the clay by hand on a turntable, using a method called “vuốt tay, be chạch” (stroking, building embankments). This hand-crafted technique grants each product a unique rustic texture. For mass production, plaster molds are employed, ranging from simple to intricate designs, enabling swift and efficient replication of pottery pieces.

Once shaped, the products undergo a drying process before entering the furnace. Prior to firing, the potters meticulously “incubate” and repair the pieces, adding embellishments like taps and straps, drilling holes, and polishing the surface for a smooth finish.

The hallmark of Bat Trang pottery lies in its enchanting enamel coatings. Notably, the ash enamel is an exclusive feature of Bat Trang’s ceramics. Over the centuries, the potters have perfected various enameling tactics, such as spraying, pouring, dipping, “gripping,” “rotating,” and “casting” enamel. These techniques, passed down through generations, are the treasured secrets of the craft.

The final and crucial stage is the firing of the furnace. This moment is regarded with reverence and solemnity by the potters. Ancient furnaces like ech, dan, and bau were once used, but modern innovations now offer greater fuel efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Mastery of the flame, gradual temperature adjustment, and careful cooling contribute to the successful firing of the pottery.

After the arduous firing process, the potters await the cooling phase, a meticulous two-day process. Once complete, the furnace is opened, and any defects are sorted and repaired before the stunning creations are ready for delivery.

Bat Trang pottery stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication, expertise, and artistry of its skilled craftsmen, showcasing the beauty of Vietnamese ceramics to the world.

Embracing Tradition and Advancing into the Future

Vietnamese ceramics Craft Village Tourism Exploring Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang pottery village is a treasure trove of diverse designs and types, each serving specific functions. From incense burners and candelabras used for worship to household essentials like bowls, plates, pots, and jars, the pottery repertoire showcases the artisans’ skillful craftsmanship. Over time, the production process has evolved, transitioning from thick pottery bones made on manual turntables to lighter and thinner pieces created using wooden molds and plaster molds.

The exquisite Bat Trang ancient pottery series includes delicate enamels such as blue, brown, and cracked enamel, adorned with intricate motifs of flowers, leaves, flower ropes, and birds. These precious pieces are kept in museums both within the country and internationally, treasured by collectors and highly valuable in the market.

The legacy of Bat Trang is immortalized through generations of outstanding artisans, honored for their contributions to the craft. Five artisans in French Indochina were conferred the title of “Indochinese artisan,” while Bat Trang commune boasts 18 artisans, with Mr. Pham Anh Dao among them. The Dao family, spanning two generations, holds the prestigious title of “Hanoi Artisan” awarded by the City People’s Committee. One artisan, in particular, stands out in Bat Trang’s illustrious history – artisan Tran Do, the 18th generation of the Tran family, revered as the master of pottery enamel and the keeper of ancient traditions.

As Bat Trang pottery village embraces modernity, it has reached new heights of development. The ceramics have conquered the domestic market and successfully made their mark in Europe, the Americas, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. The village is home to over 50 companies and 750 households, employing 2,900 people, with 90% engaged in ceramic production and trading. Some businesses are generating impressive revenue, exporting up to 1 million USD annually.

With the thriving economy, the lives of the villagers have improved significantly, and the State has shown keen interest in supporting the economic development and social infrastructure of Bat Trang. The community actively contributes to the growth of the village and communes. Historical architectural monuments, Communal Houses, Temples, Pagodas, and literature documents are meticulously restored and preserved. Revolutionary and resistance relics are marked with signposts, commemorating their significance.

Vietnamese ceramics Craft Village Tourism Exploring Bat Trang Pottery Village

Following the visionary words of Uncle Ho, who, on February 20, 1959, envisioned Bat Trang as a model village for the new Vietnam, the people of Bat Trang strive to uphold the traditions of their ancestors. Guided by the teachings of President Ho Chi Minh, they fervently work to turn his vision into a vibrant reality in their beloved pottery village. Bat Trang pottery village continues to be a beacon of cultural heritage and economic prosperity, cherishing its roots while embracing the future.