In the heart of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry lies Tho Ha, a village synonymous with the delicate artistry of pottery. However, beneath the surface of this ancient craft, a looming challenge threatens to unravel centuries of tradition. The article delves into the rich history of this cultural treasure and explores the multifaceted challenges it faces in preserving its legacy amidst the relentless march of time. As we embark on this journey, we uncover the intricate details of Tho Ha Pottery‘s struggle against the currents of modernization, shedding light on the urgent need to safeguard a heritage on the brink of fading away.
Introduction about Tho Ha Pottery
Delving into the annals of time, Tho Ha Pottery Village emerges as a beacon of Vietnam’s ceramic heritage, tracing its roots back to the 12th century. As one of the oldest ceramic centers in the country, it serves as a cradle nurturing the artistry of pottery. Situated within the embrace of Van Ha commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province, Tho Ha Pottery Village unfolds its story approximately 50 kilometers north of Hanoi.
This village has etched its name in the annals of Vietnamese heritage, particularly renowned for its age-old pottery craft. Additionally, it has sustained its reputation for the production of traditional delicacies such as rice vermicelli and nem wrappers.
One distinctive feature that defines Tho Ha is its unique geographical setting. Surrounded by water on three sides and resembling an island, navigating beyond the village necessitates either a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. A visit to Tho Ha unveils a picturesque journey through the village’s intricate network of pathways and alleyways. Wherever water meets the land—be it along the walls, by the ponds, or beneath the roofs—you’ll find the thriving artistry of nem wrappers.
Entering the ancient dye of time that colors Tho Ha, visitors are greeted with the tranquil and poetic beauty of the rural landscape. The concluding stretch of Tho Ha Village reveals a familiar sight—the dance of flames by a traditional hearth. Here, nimble hands craft delicate nem wrappers. These oversized, golden-brown, crispy delights emit an irresistible aroma, a testament to the culinary heritage embedded within the heart of Tho Ha.
The historical journey of Tho Ha Pottery Village commences in the 12th century, establishing itself among the venerable triumvirate of ancient ceramic centers in Vietnam, alongside Phu Lang and Bat Trang.
As documented in the village’s genealogy and revealed through archaeological discoveries, Tho Ha emerges as a cradle for the pottery craft, evolving into a vibrant ceramic trading hub in the Kinh Bac region. The affluence generated by the pottery trade contributed to the creation of grand architectural landmarks, including communal houses, pagodas, and stately village gates, all testaments to the village’s cultural eminence.
The lore of Tho Ha is intricately woven with the narrative of its pottery patriarch, Dr. Dao Tri Tien, who, along with Hua Vinh Cao and Luu Phong Tu, served as envoys to the Northern Song dynasty during the late Ly dynasty. Encountering a tempestuous journey back home via Thieu Chau in Quang Dong province, they stumbled upon a renowned pottery kiln. Their visit led to a profound exchange of knowledge, with Dr. Dao Tri Tien imparting the craft of making deep red pottery to Tho Ha. Meanwhile, Hua Vinh Cao shared the art of crafting white pottery with Bat Trang, and Luu Phong Tu transmitted the skills for making yellow pottery to Phu Lang.
Traditionally, Tho Ha Pottery craftsmen organized an annual ceremony venerating their pottery ancestors, honoring the trio for their pivotal roles in shaping the village’s artistic legacy.
The 1940s marked a golden era for Tho Ha’s pottery trade, witnessing robust growth and heightened acclaim for its exquisite creations.
However, the 1960s brought challenges as the village’s population burgeoned, and the spatial demands of pottery kilns led to environmental concerns. Responding to this, the state established the Gom Da Vang enterprise in the hills of Lat Village, 3 km north of Tho Ha. This move transformed all pottery craftsmen from Tho Ha into employees of the enterprise, receiving state salaries.
Amidst the economic difficulties of the early 1980s, villagers pivoted to new professions, particularly rice noodle production and sago wine brewing. However, sago wine brewing faced prohibition during this period, compelling many workers to leave the Gom Da Vang enterprise and return to their roots in the traditional pottery trade.
Introduction about Tho Ha Pottery
By 1988, the advent of plastic products diminished the market for traditional pottery items, leading to the dissolution of the Gom Da Vang enterprise. This marked the poignant end of Tho Ha’s nearly 900-year-old pottery trade.
In 2005, Mr. Trinh Dac Tan, born into a family with ten generations of potters, emerged as a beacon of hope for Tho Ha’s fading pottery legacy. He opened a pottery kiln with the ardent goal of reviving the traditional craft. Despite numerous challenges, this restoration effort required the collaborative support of both the government and the local community, embodying a tale of resilience and renewal that continues to shape Tho Ha’s cultural identity.
In its nascent years, Tho Ha transcended its status as a mere village, blossoming into a bustling trading port. Along the sinuous course of the Như Nguyệt River, boats gracefully transported the treasures of Tho Ha—meticulously crafted pottery—embarking on journeys that spanned various destinations.
What truly sets Tho Ha Pottery apart lies in its departure from conventional techniques. Here, the artisans eschew traditional glazes, opting for a miraculous, pliable clay. Fired to perfection, this clay metamorphoses into a natural glaze, endowing the pottery with unparalleled characteristics. The result is a product of remarkable durability, impervious to soil, and resonating with a drum-like cadence when touched. The pliability, a hallmark feature, ensures that whether nestled in the earth or submerged in water, the pottery steadfastly retains its original form.
By the 14th century, Tho Ha Pottery had become a paragon of excellence, earning widespread acclaim for its exceptional creations. This period witnessed not only the flourishing of the craft but also a significant improvement in the lives of the local community. The economic prosperity driven by the pottery trade allowed the denizens to erect grand architectural marvels—temples and pagodas—whose imposing structures still echo the historical legacy of Tho Ha to this very day.
The Fading Legacy of Tho Ha Pottery
In the intricate tapestry of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, Tho Ha Pottery stands as a time-worn gem, tracing its roots to the 12th century. Once a vibrant ceramic art form, it now faces an existential threat, hovering on the precipice of extinction. Originating from the Tho Ha village in Van Ha commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province, Tho Ha Pottery, alongside Bat Trang and Phu Lang ceramics, formed the triumvirate of renowned ceramic centers in Northern Vietnam from the 1960s.
The historical tapestry of Tho Ha Pottery is deeply woven into the economic and cultural fabric of the region. During its zenith, this traditional craft not only produced exquisite ceramic pieces but also functioned as a robust industry, sustaining the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and locals. The unique artistry of Tho Ha Pottery, marked by vibrant colors and intricate designs, was once a beacon of pride for the community.
However, in the current landscape, Tho Ha Pottery grapples with the harsh reality of diminishing demand and the flickering embers of the last pottery kiln. The once-thriving village now resonates with regret, as locals lament the fading glory of their cultural heritage. Mr. Bui Ta Thanh, the vice president of Van Ha’s People’s Committee, fondly reminisces about a bygone era when the craft served as a catalyst for prosperity, fostering a profound sense of community pride.
The Fading Legacy of Tho Ha Pottery
Tragically, the last vestiges of Tho Ha Pottery are encapsulated in the story of Mr. Trinh Dac Tan, a dedicated artisan, who, despite fervent efforts, could not single-handedly preserve the craft. Born into a family with ten generations of potters, he emerged as a beacon of hope in 2005 by inaugurating a pottery kiln with the ardent goal of reviving the traditional craft. His demise has left his daughter, Ms. Trinh Thi Tien, and her husband, Mr. Nguyen Dac Tap, grappling to sustain the legacy.
The final pottery kiln, now dormant and repurposed, symbolizes the poignant struggle between tradition and modernity. The decline of Tho Ha Pottery is further underscored by the market challenges faced by Ms. Tien. The once-thriving demand for Tho Ha Pottery products has dwindled, rendering it increasingly challenging to sustain the family business. Despite the adversities, the people of Tho Ha hold onto their heritage with unwavering pride. The distinctive ceramic pieces, once sought after from Hanoi to Phu Tho and Thai Nguyen, now linger as fading echoes of a prosperous past.
In conclusion, the plight of Tho Ha Pottery serves as a poignant reflection of the delicate equilibrium between preserving cultural traditions and navigating the currents of modernization. The dimming embers of the last pottery kiln stand as a stark reminder of the urgent need to rekindle the flames and safeguard this cultural legacy for future generations.
Unraveling the Causes…
Since the 1990s, Tho Ha Pottery, once a thriving ceramic art form, has found itself in the throes of a profound crisis characterized by sluggish product consumption. The village, once adorned with ceramics in every corner, now bears witness to a somber scene of disarray. Despite the initial success of ceramic enterprises and cooperatives, they have gradually succumbed to a disintegration that has forced the demolition of numerous pottery kilns, some of which required investments reaching tens of millions of dong, making way for alternative industries.
In recent years, a sense of duty has weighed heavily on some Tho Ha residents, compelling them to earnestly seek solutions to revive this age-old craft deeply embedded in their homeland’s heritage. However, the traditional production methods pose challenges – the cost is high, designs lack diversity, and the products struggle to compete with offerings from neighboring ceramic villages. Adding to the predicament is the influx of Chinese ceramics, introduced by local vendors who market these attractively designed products at a lower cost. Consequently, Tho Ha Pottery finds itself tagged as “outdated,” losing market standing and slowly fading into obscurity.
Unraveling the Causes…
Despite local authorities establishing a second craft village and urging the construction of pottery kilns, the lack of profitability and market demand has deterred active participation in this initiative. The looming risk of Tho Ha Pottery becoming obsolete is palpable. To rejuvenate the traditional craft of their homeland, a pivotal step lies in technological innovation and a strategic exploration of viable markets for their products. This detailed exploration sheds light on the multifaceted challenges Tho Ha Pottery faces and underscores the urgency of comprehensive solutions to ensure its preservation for future generations.
In conclusion, the narrative of Tho Ha Pottery is one that resonates with both the echoes of a glorious past and the pressing challenges of an uncertain future. As we reflect upon the imminent threat of extinction that looms over this venerable craft, it becomes evident that the survival of Tho Ha Pottery hinges on a delicate balance between preserving its rich traditions and adapting to the demands of the contemporary world.
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