Throughout the length of history spanning thousands of years, it can be said that Vietnamese ceramics also have a rich and fluctuating past. Ceramic lines stretch across the country, from Bat Trang and Phu Lang in the north to Phuoc Tich and Bau Truc in the central region, and Bien Hoa and Lai Thieu in the south. Each of these ceramics carries its own distinctive characteristics, embodying the cultural values of each region, crystallized and expressed through the skillful hands of artisans.
Among them, Chu Dau is a line of ancient ceramics known as one of our country’s earliest brands, having flourished with exquisite products of significant commercial value exported abroad. Chu Dau ceramics also went through a period of decline, undergoing various transformations and searches for recovery and development, as seen today. However, the stories about the history of this ancient ceramic line remain mysterious.
History begin
Chu Dau – The first ceramic brand exported abroad
Chu Dau Village is located in Thai Tan commune, Nam Sach district, Hải Dương city, approximately 80 km northwest of the capital city Hanoi.
In the 15th century, Chu Dau was a small village in Thanh Lam district, Nam Sach prefecture, Hải Dương town, situated adjacent to the left bank of the Thai Binh River, a branch of the Luc Dau River, facilitating trade and commerce.
According to information from the National History Museum of Vietnam, in Bat Trang, there is a branch of the Vương family from Chu Dau that moved there in the late 16th century, along with other families from Thanh Hoá and Nam Hà, gathering in Bach Ho ward to establish a ceramic line that has thrived to this day.
The genealogy of the Vương family also records that the Vương family in Dang Xa commune, Thanh Lam district, Nam Sach province, initially engaged in the ceramic profession. Afterward, a branch migrated to Bat Trang, Gia Lam district. This indicates that Chu Dau had a vibrant development before Bat Trang, despite these two ceramic lines having different styles.
In the 17th century, Chu Dau ceramics gradually declined and fell into obscurity. Some researchers attribute this decline to the wars between the Le/Trinh and Mac dynasties.
From the late 17th century, the story of Chu Dau ceramics faded into oblivion until 1980 when the First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy, Makoto Anabuki, during a work trip, visited the Royal Museum of Turkey. He discovered a ceramic vase with blue flowers, which he believed to be from Vietnam and not China, as some Westerners had previously assumed. The vase was inscribed with Chinese characters: “Thái Hòa bát niên Nam Sách châu, tương nhân Bùi thị Hý bút,” roughly translating to “In the eighth year of Thái Hòa (1450), the potter Bùi from Nam Sach drew this.” (The vase is now a national treasure of Turkey and insured for millions of USD).
Beautiful Chu Dau ceramic artifacts were found in a shipwreck in Cu Lao Cham
Mr. Makoto Anabuki wrote a letter to Comrade Ngô Duy Đông, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Hải Hưng (formerly), at that time, seeking verification to determine the origin of the ceramic vase. This information assisted the authorities in promoting the survey and research of the ancient ceramic village.
In April 1986, the Department of Culture and Information of Hải Hưng province conducted excavations in the Chu Dau village area under the theme “Research on Ancient Ceramics of Hải Hưng.” Through eight excavations covering an area of 70,000 m2 in Chu Dau village, Thai Tan commune, and Minh Tan commune, archaeologists discovered numerous ancient ceramic artifacts, along with over 100 kiln bottoms buried underground. As a result, it was determined that Chu Dau was a place of high-quality ceramic production from the 14th to the 17th century.
In 1993, in the Philippines’ sea, a sunken ship from the 15th century was salvaged, containing 3,000 ceramics identified as Chu Dau ceramics.
In 1997, Vietnam also salvaged a sunken ship near Cù Lao Chàm with around 340 thousand artifacts, including 240 thousand well-preserved items. Scientists determined that this ship carried artistic ceramics from Chu Dau for export. This indicates that Chu Dau ceramics not only thrived domestically but were also exported to many countries at that time.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Vietnamese ceramics actively participated in the Asian ceramic market by sea. Archaeological evidence shows that rare and valuable ceramics were mainly produced to serve the Thang Long Royal Court and partially exported to the wealthy Islamic markets in Southeast and West Asia. The Chu Dau ceramics found on the ancient ship reveal the early presence of this Vietnamese ceramic line in international trade routes, marking it as Vietnam’s first ceramic brand exported abroad.
In the 17th century, Chu Dau ceramics gradually declined and fell into obscurity. Some researchers believe that the wars between the Le and Mac dynasties were the main cause of this decline.
Experts note that while the location of Chu Dau ceramics may have declined, the Chu Dau ceramic style has been preserved by talented artisans who dispersed across different regions.
The artifacts found in Thang Long, in the ancient trading port of Cù Lao Chàm (Quang Nam), and those preserved in museums and private collections worldwide serve as clear evidence of the prosperity of Chu Dau ceramics throughout history. Moreover, since the 1980s, archaeological excavations in Chu Dau, with a massive number of related ancient artifacts related to pottery, once again affirmed that Chu Dau was a center for producing high-quality ceramics with diverse styles and designs from the 14th to the 17th century.
Special values
Chu Dau – The first ceramic brand exported abroad
Chu Dau ceramics have long been regarded as the pinnacle of Vietnamese pottery in terms of exquisite craftsmanship, glaze colors, and patterns. According to experts, Chu Dau products date back to the 13th century and were honored as “products bearing royal symbols” by the late 17th century. Each piece carries significant meanings, displaying distinctive features in terms of design, ash-colored glazes, intricate patterns, and a rich cultural identity that is distinctly Vietnamese. Chu Dau ceramics hold a significant position in the history of Vietnam’s fine arts and represent a traditional craft that has been passed down for centuries.
In the international scientific symposium “Ceramics used in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel” organized by the Research Institute of the Capital City (under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) at the end of 2021, scientists mentioned that the collection of Vietnamese ceramics from the early Le dynasty, excavated at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel site, includes products manufactured in kilns in Thang Long and its outskirts, including Chu Dau.
Chu Dau ceramics have long been acclaimed as the epitome of Vietnamese pottery, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, glaze colors, and patterns. According to experts, these products, dating back to the 13th century, were honored as “royal symbol-bearing products” by the late 17th century. Each piece carries profound meanings, displaying distinctive features in terms of design, ash-colored glazes, intricate patterns, and a rich cultural identity that is distinctly Vietnamese. Chu Dau ceramics hold a significant position in Vietnam’s fine arts history, representing a traditional craft passed down for centuries.
In the international symposium “Ceramics used in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel,” organized by the Research Institute of the Capital City (under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) at the end of 2021, scientists mentioned that the collection of Vietnamese ceramics from the early Le dynasty, excavated at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel site, includes products manufactured in kilns in Thang Long and its outskirts, including Chu Dau.
Creativity and ingenuity are also evident in the production of various beautiful ceramic lines such as pearl glaze ceramics, brown glaze ceramics dating back to the Ly – Tran period, and the famous white glaze ceramics with blue flowers in the Chu Dau style during the Le period. A single sunken ship off the coast of Cù Lao Chàm revealed tens of thousands of Chu Dau ceramics en route for export to distant countries, such as Turkey.
Chu Dau ceramics are described as “thin as paper, translucent as jade, white as ivory, and resonant as bells.” The colors, designs, and decorative patterns of Chu Dau ceramics are distinctly Vietnamese, showcasing a deep cultural essence.
Chu Dau glazes are rich and diverse, including pearl glaze, brown glaze, white glaze (with blue patterns – chàm), and three-color glaze with yellow, brown-red, and green hues (tam thái).
The artistic and intricate patterns on Chu Dau ceramics are close to nature, depicting scenes of the Red River Delta’s landscape and the life of its inhabitants. These scenes include buffalo herding, birds perched on branches, fish swimming underwater, thatched houses along the river, banana leaf boats, dragonflies, shrimp, fish, frogs, turtles, chrysanthemums, lotus flowers, and more. The types and styles are incredibly diverse, ranging from household items and children’s toys to items used in worship, royal palaces, government offices, and exports.
The high-level production method involves shaping on a potter’s wheel, dividing the production process into multiple stages, assembling, and finishing. Products are crafted using materials such as white glaze with blue flowers, pearl glaze, or three-color glaze.
Currently, Chu Dau ceramics are meticulously preserved and displayed in 46 renowned museums in 32 countries worldwide, including Tokyo in Japan, Istanbul in Turkey, and New York City in the United States. The Blue Flower ceramic vase is considered one of Turkey’s national treasures. Chu Dau ceramic products have been exported to approximately 30 countries and territories worldwide, becoming prestigious and valuable gifts at many high-level conferences and events.
Mysteries from sunken ships
Beautiful Chu Dau ceramic artifacts were found in a shipwreck in Cu Lao Cham
The archaeological excavation project of a sunken ship in the waters of Cu Lao Cham, Hoi An, Quang Nam, was a collaborative effort involving the National Museum of Vietnamese History, the Ministry of Culture and Information, Saga Company (Malaysia), Visal Company (Ministry of Transport), and the University of Oxford (United Kingdom), conducted from 1997 to 1999.
Local fishermen from Quang Nam were the first to discover this ship in the early 1990s while casting their nets, retrieving numerous ceramics, which were then sold to traders. The ship, known as the Cu Lao Cham ancient ship, was excavated near the Cu Lao Cham island, Hoi An, Quang Nam, over three years from 1997 to 2000. It yielded around 240,000 artifacts, including ceramics, bronze items, metal kitchen utensils, various tools, spices, seeds, copper coins, jewelry, and the remains of 11 individuals—merchants and sailors aboard the ship. Notably, all artifacts from the Cu Lao Cham ship are Vietnamese ceramics, showcasing decorative patterns and 15th-century firing techniques attributed to kilns in the Thang Long region, with Chu Dau being the most representative.
Many artifacts from the Cu Lao Cham ship have maintained their original shapes and colors remarkably well. A standout piece is a large and intact ceramic vase painted with a swan motif, dating back to the Le So period in the 15th century. This vase, recognized as a National Treasure by the Prime Minister on October 1, 2012, is particularly noteworthy for its large size, intact condition, and the hand-painted details, exemplifying Chu Dau ceramics and representing the 15th-century Vietnamese ceramic culture.
In 1993, a sunken ship from the 15th century was salvaged off the coast of the Philippines, containing 3,000 pieces of Chu Dau ceramics. In 1997, Vietnam also recovered a sunken ship near Cu Lao Cham with approximately 340,000 artifacts, including 240,000 well-preserved items. Scientists confirmed that this ship transported fine arts ceramics from Chu Dau for export, highlighting the global reach of Chu Dau ceramics during that period.
Records from the Hoi An Cultural Heritage Conservation Management Center state that a significant portion of Vietnamese ceramics found on the ship was intended for trade. The ship represented a Vietnamese merchant vessel sailing southwards near Cu Lao Cham.
Due to rapid submersion in mud after sinking, parts of the ship’s hull or sides remained relatively intact, preserving many ceramics in their original state. Familiar styles of Vietnamese ceramics, such as plates and large vases adorned with herbal patterns, were among the well-preserved items. Most notably, a dragon-painted blue-and-white ceramic bowl was discovered for the first time in Vietnam, identified as an export product carried by the trading ship to Southeast Asian countries.
Revival and strong development
Chu Dau – The first ceramic brand exported abroad
Enduring the twists and turns of history, Chu Dau ceramics were lost to the world for about 500 years.
Since 2001, with the aspiration to revive this distinguished ceramic lineage, Hanoi Trading Corporation (Hapro) invested in constructing workshops, modern facilities, and equipment. The company invited artisans from Hanoi, Binh Duong, Bien Hoa (Dong Nai), Hai Duong, etc., to research ancient glazes, production techniques, and the distinctive features of Chu Dau ceramics, passing down this knowledge to local workers. Many of the young apprentices have since become skilled artisans, earning recognition for their craftsmanship.
In May 2003, almost serendipitously, the first export shipment, destined for Spain, set sail, reminiscent of the 15th-century shipment from Chu Dau to Spain that sank near Cu Lao Cham.
In 2008, Chu Dau Ceramics was honored with 9 Gold Letters by General Vo Nguyen Giap, recognizing it as the “quintessence of Vietnamese culture.”
The former ceramics workshop has transformed into Chu Dau Ceramics Joint Stock Company in Chu Dau village, Thai Tan commune, Nam Sach district, Hai Duong province, under the BRG Group. Chu Dau’s ceramic products are diverse, featuring 5 main categories: Traditional product line – restored items like vases, plates, etc., following ancient artistic styles close to Vietnamese life; Spiritual product line – worship sets, Feng Shui items, etc.; Household product line – teapots, cups, bowls, plates, adorned with intricate patterns under glaze; Unique product line – extracted enamel from rice husk, establishing a record for 100% food safety; Export product line – produced based on existing patterns and customer-specific designs. Especially, since 2014, the company introduced a premium product line with gold-plated ceramics – a blend of tradition and modernity that has gained popularity among domestic and international customers.
From here, Chu Dau ceramics have been exported to about 30 countries and territories worldwide, rekindling the historical trading journey of their ancestors.
In addition to focusing on production, business, and market expansion, the company now combines with the tourism industry to become a destination for visitors to explore, shop, and experience the ceramic-making process. Chu Dau is not just a ceramic production unit; it is also a remarkable example of integrating cultural heritage into products.
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