The lineage of ancient ceramics known as Luy Lâu, hailing from the Thuận Thành District in the northern province of Bắc Ninh, is undergoing a revival of its historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Despite enduring numerous challenges, including the looming threat of disappearance due to the passing of many master artisans, Luy Lâu is reclaiming its heritage. Let’s explore Luy Lâu ceramics feature the soul of an ancient citadel with Ceramics Vietnam in the following article.
Resurrecting Heritage: The Cultural Revival of Luy Lâu Ceramics in Bắc Ninh
Part of the ancient Luy Lâu Citadel in Thuận Thành District, Bắc Ninh Provine after restoration
In the heart of Bắc Ninh’s Thuận Thành District, the ancient ceramics of Luy Lâu are experiencing a renaissance, reclaiming their historical, cultural, and artistic essence. Despite enduring a tumultuous journey, this unique pottery line faces the risk of fading into obscurity as the torchbearers of its craftsmanship, the master artisans, pass away.
Dating back 2,000 years, the traditional pottery line is a tangible link to the royal era, offering present generations a glimpse into the talent and ingenuity of their forefathers. Rooted in the rich culture that once thrived in the Dâu area of Bắc Ninh, Luy Lâu pottery holds a significant place in the heritage of the region.
The aristocratic association of Luy Lâu pottery traces back to an ancient Vietnamese citadel bearing the same name. This connection dates back to the northern Chinese domination period in the 2nd century when the old land, known as Dâu, witnessed the flourishing of this unique art form.
Situated on the banks of the Đuống River, the old land of Dâu, now part of Thuận Thành District, Bắc Ninh Province, is home to the remnants of the once majestic Luy Lâu Citadel. Recent field excavations in 2016 unveiled the magnitude of its historical significance, showcasing the Citadel as the largest and oldest center for politics, economics, trade, culture, and religion in the country. The ancient Luy Lâu ramparts, along with relics of pagodas, residences, and monuments, offer a fascinating glimpse into the bygone era.
A collaborative effort by archaeologists from the National Museum of History, the Bắc Ninh provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and Japan’s University of East Asia resulted in a preliminary report affirming the Citadel’s prominence. The findings shed light on the architectural vestiges, including bricks, tiles, ceramics, and cooking tools, dating from 100 BC to the 14th century, all contributing to the historical tapestry of Luy Lâu.
The ongoing exploration and preservation of Luy Lâu ceramics not only honor the legacy of master artisans but also serve as a testament to the resilience and enduring cultural significance of this ancient art form. As efforts continue to breathe life into these timeless artifacts, the heritage of Luy Lâu remains a beacon, guiding the present towards a deeper understanding of the past.
The Unique Glaze and Cultural Resurgence of Luy Lâu Ceramics
Luy Lâu ceramics feature the soul of an ancient citadel
In the annals of ancient Vietnamese artistry, the exquisite Luy Lâu ceramic products stand as a testament to the unparalleled skill and aesthetic finesse of master artisans. Crafted with a fanciful glaze, boasting an elegant and warm olive green hue, these creations were exclusively reserved for royalty and aristocrats. Beyond serving as prestigious possessions, Luy Lâu ceramics became integral materials for building temples, palaces, and decorative artworks for the elite.
Despite originating in an era marked by rudimentary heating technology, the Luy Lâu ceramic line endures as the epitome of technical prowess and artistic brilliance. Weathering thousands of years of societal and historical changes, these ceramics remain a remarkable fusion of technique and artistry.
The journey of Luy Lâu ceramics saw a remarkable revival after a hiatus that spanned 300 years, dating back to its disappearance in the 17th century within the ancient land of Luy Lâu. Regarded as the finest among traditional ceramic lines in ancient Vietnam, Luy Lâu ceramics represent the pinnacle of northern ceramic art, as acclaimed by historian Dương Trung Quốc.
Quốc, recalling the wisdom of his late mentor, Trần Quốc Vượng, emphasized the significance of the red pottery products from the Dâu – Luy Lâu region. These products, meeting the specific technical-artistic standards of the southern ceramic line identified as Sông Hồng (Red River) pottery, suggest that Sông Hồng pottery essentially embodies the legacy of Luy Lâu’s red ceramic line.
Scientific seminars, both within and beyond Bắc Ninh, have played a pivotal role in resurrecting and advancing Luy Lâu pottery. Archaeologists and historical researchers, analyzing unearthed ancient ceramic products in Nguyệt Ðức and Thanh Khương, observed distinctive features in their olive green enamel. Historical incidents, including the fall of northern domination, led to the migration of the Luy Lâu pottery line through the Luộc, Ðuống, and Thái Bình rivers, ultimately settling in new ceramic centers in Hải Dương and Thái Bình provinces.
In a concerted effort to preserve and promote this cultural heritage, local leaders and artisans have envisioned the creation of distinctive products under the brand name “Red Pottery in Dâu – Luy Lâu Region.” Experts assert that the future of Luy Lâu pottery is promising, especially during the era of global integration. As this ancient craft resurfaces and adapts to contemporary times, it continues to serve as a beacon of cultural identity and artistic excellence.
Nguyễn Ðăng Vông: A Pioneer Preserver of Luy Lâu Ceramics
Luy Lâu ceramics feature the soul of an ancient citadel – Luy Lâu pottery artisan Nguyễn Đăng Vông
In contemporary times, an increasing number of artisans have dedicated themselves to the study and preservation of traditional crafts. Among these enthusiasts stands Nguyễn Ðăng Vông, recognized within his community as the stalwart guardian of Dâu ceramic craftsmanship.
Hailing from Thuận Thành District, Vông has devoted decades to the restoration and safeguarding of the time-honored occupation passed down by his ancestors.
Vông’s journey into the world of pottery began unexpectedly during his childhood. In 1971, Professor Trần Quốc Vượng and his archaeological team descended upon Hà Mãn Commune, Vông’s hometown, to excavate artifacts from the Luy Lâu ancient citadel. Witnessing this endeavor sparked a profound fascination within Vông, inspiring him to embark on a mission to revive the pottery line of his hometown.
Graduating from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Hà Bắc College of Culture and Arts in 1980, Vông attested that his passion for pottery ran in his blood. This fervor drove him to traverse various locations, including renowned pottery villages such as Bát Tràng, Phù Lãng, Chu Đậu, and Thổ Hà in Vinh Phúc Province. Immersing himself in museums and seeking knowledge from national historians and archaeologists, including Prof. Vượng and historian Quốc, became integral to his pursuit of understanding the history and unique features of Luy Lâu pottery.
As a celebrated artisan, Vông poured his heart and talent into rediscovering and restoring the ceramic glaze of Luy Lâu pottery. His meticulous research revealed that the glaze comprises extracts from assorted ash and mulberry tree wood sourced from the local Dâu-Keo area. The primary pottery clay is taken from the Dâu region’s land, supplemented with forest gravel and sea scallop shells, adorned with intricate artistic drawings.
Through numerous trials, marked by both failures and successes, Vông has achieved a product completion level of 80-90%, closely resembling the original Luy Lâu ceramics of his predecessors.
According to Vông, the unique glaze he uncovered distinguishes Luy Lâu pottery, making it unparalleled not only in Vietnam but also globally. With almost four decades of research, excavation, and participation in seminars, historian Quốc has declared Luy Lâu pottery a historical brand, solidifying its legacy over the past 2,000 years.
In 2006, the artisan took a significant step by founding the Luy Lâu Ceramic Cooperative, a venture that welcomed numerous young enthusiasts eager to delve into the intricacies of Luy Lâu traditional pottery. This cooperative serves as a breeding ground for new generations, propelling the evolution of Luy Lâu pottery into a recognized brand.
Annually, the cooperative produces an impressive array of 10,000 items spanning across 10 distinct product categories. Noteworthy among the artisan’s creations is a colossal 2.2-tonne ceramic vase, showcased during the festivities commemorating the millennium anniversary of Hà Nội in 2010.
Luy Lâu ceramics have gained prominence, gracing major domestic, regional, and international events, including the APEC and WTO economic forums and meetings. Their allure extends beyond borders, captivating the hearts of both domestic and foreign customers. The cooperative has secured numerous contracts, exporting these exquisite ceramics to destinations such as France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the US.
The quality and cultural significance of Luy Lâu ceramics have not gone unnoticed, garnering prestigious awards that include the Viêt Nam Golden Globe Awards in 2005, Việt Land Gold Star Awards at the APEC exhibition in 2006, Việt Nam Elites Awards at the WTO exhibition in 2007, and the Việt Nam Iconic Entrepreneurs and Businesses Golden Awards in 2008. Furthermore, Luy Lâu ceramics proudly stood as one of the 10 major products in the Thăng Long Grand Millennium Ceremony in 2010, solidifying their status as enduring symbols of cultural and artistic excellence.
The ceramic glaze of the Luy Lâu pottery is really special and unique, unlike any other products in Việt Nam and in the world
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