The Bat Trang Ceramic Boots: A Fusion of Vietnamese and Italian Artistry

Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, where tradition and innovation converge, an enchanting exhibition awaits. “The Bat Trang Ceramic Boots. An Inspiration from Italy” exhibition is a testament to the profound impact of artistic collaboration, inviting visitors to explore the intersection of Vietnamese craftsmanship and Italian elegance. It celebrates the ingenuity of a 700-year-old Vietnamese village, Bat Trang, and the timeless allure of Italy, often referred to as the “boot-shaped country.”

“The Bat Trang Ceramic Boots. An Inspiration from Italy”: A Tale of Artistic Fusion

In a remarkable confluence of cultures and artistry, the Embassy of Italy in Hanoi and the Hon Dat Viet Bat Trang Art Museum (Bat Trang Museum) proudly present the art exhibition, “The Bat Trang Ceramic Boots. An Inspiration from Italy.”

A Date with Art

This extraordinary exhibition graced Casa Italia at 18 Le Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, from April 10th to May 3rd, 2022. Art enthusiasts and culture aficionados had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a captivating world of art during the exhibition’s daily opening hours from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The best part was that admission was absolutely free, allowing everyone to be part of this remarkable cultural extravaganza

Unveiling a Priceless Legacy: The Bat Tang Ceramic Boots

On this momentous occasion, the public will have the privilege of witnessing the complete collection of 12 meticulously crafted ceramic boots, a legacy of the late People’s Artisan Vu Thang. While a partial glimpse of these masterpieces was offered during the Dep Fashion Show in 2011, this exhibition marks the very first time that the entire collection is made accessible for public admiration. These ceramic boots serve as an invaluable testament to the world of contemporary Vietnamese art, a realm inspired by the alluring domain of Italian fashion.

The profound creativity, unique craftsmanship, and delicate ceramic techniques employed by Artisan Vu Thang, one of the rare two People’s Artists hailing from the Bat Trang ceramic village, are impeccably encapsulated within the intricate Vietnamese traditional motifs that grace each of these ceramic boots.

People’s Artisan Vu Thang

People’s Artisan Vu Thang & his collection of 12 crafted ceramic boots

People’s Artisan Vu Thang was a highly esteemed and skilled artisan from the Bat Trang ceramic village in Vietnam. He was renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and expertise in the art of ceramics. Vu Thang held the prestigious title of “People’s Artisan,” a recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of ceramics and his role as a master in his craft.

During his lifetime, Vu Thang dedicated nearly five decades to working with pottery, honing his skills, and creating exquisite ceramic pieces. His work was characterized by intricate designs and delicate techniques, often incorporating traditional Vietnamese motifs into his creations.

Vu Thang’s legacy is celebrated for its significant impact on contemporary Vietnamese art, particularly in the realm of ceramic artistry. His contributions to the preservation and development of Bat Trang ceramics, a 700-year-old tradition, have left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of Vietnam

The powerful creativity, unique skills, and delicate ceramic techniques of Artisan Vu Thang, one of only two People’s Artists of Bat Trang ceramic village, are exquisitely captured in the intricate Vietnamese traditional motifs that adorn these ceramic boots.

A Fusion of Creativity

Despite the geographical expanse that separates these two cultural powerhouses, there exists a remarkable commonality between them. The gifted craftsmanship of a 700-year-old Vietnamese village and the unique flair for beauty and style epitomized by Italy, often affectionately referred to as the ‘boot-shaped country,’ share profound similarities. Both are shining manifestations of the creative prowess and artistry deeply entrenched in the rich traditions and cultural legacies of their respective nations.

This exhibition stands as a magnificent artistic bridge connecting Vietnam and Italy. It’s a place where classical Vietnamese elements, such as intricate ceramic motifs and vibrant enamel colors, seamlessly merge with the elegance and sophistication of Italian aesthetics. The outcome is nothing short of breathtaking – a captivating collection of ceramic masterpieces that defy geographical boundaries and stand as a testament to the universal language of artistry.

This exhibition stands as a magnificent artistic bridge connecting Vietnam and Italy

The Birth of Bat Trang Museum

The Bat Trang Museum owes its existence to the unwavering enthusiasm and tireless efforts of Artisan Vu Thang, who dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to the world of pottery. Licensed by the Hanoi People’s Committee in early 2016, it is now under the management of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports.

On this momentous occasion, the museum will launch the website battrang.museum, a digital information platform that offers insights into contemporary ceramic art in Vietnam as a whole, with a particular focus on the Bat Trang traditional ceramic village. The website has been developed by M-N Associates, an international award-winning branding and creative design agency.

M-N Associates played a significant role in developing the digital information platform battrang.museum. This platform provides insights into contemporary ceramic art in Vietnam, with a specific focus on the Bat Trang traditional ceramic village. M-N Associates’ involvement highlights their expertise in creating digital solutions that enhance the accessibility and understanding of cultural and artistic heritage.

The Bat Trang Museum owes its existence to the unwavering enthusiasm and tireless efforts of Artisan Vu Thang

A Visual Feast

The exhibition space itself is a work of art, designed by sgnhA, a renowned interior and architectural design firm responsible for major art projects in HCMC and Hanoi, in collaboration with the Ori Lighting crew.

sgnhA was entrusted with the task of conceptualizing and executing the exhibition space. Their expertise played a pivotal role in crafting an environment that pays homage to the Bat Trang pottery kiln while incorporating elements inspired by the iconic leaning tower of Pisa. This design approach promises visitors an immersive and enchanting experience that seamlessly blends the essence of Vietnamese and Italian culture, further enhancing the overall impact of the exhibition.

Ori Lighting played a pivotal role in designing and implementing the lighting within the exhibition space. Their expertise ensured that each ceramic masterpiece was showcased in the best possible light, accentuating the intricate details and artistic nuances. This attention to lighting contributed significantly to the overall impact of the exhibition, providing visitors with an immersive and visually captivating experience. Ori Lighting’s commitment to excellence in lighting design is a testament to their role in enhancing the appreciation of art and culture.

The setting ingeniously recreates the ambiance of a Bat Trang pottery kiln while paying tribute to the iconic leaning tower of Pisa. It promises to be a unique and enchanting experience for art lovers, blending the essence of both Vietnam and Italy.

Casa Italia: A Cultural Hub

Casa Italia hosts ceramic boot exhibition

Casa Italia, located at 18 Le Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, is a multifaceted cultural hub managed by the Embassy of Italy in Hanoi. This dynamic space serves as a platform for various cultural, economic, trade, and bilateral initiatives between Italy and Vietnam. Casa Italia proudly promotes activities related to Italian culture and plays host to a wide range of events and exhibitions that celebrate the rich heritage and contemporary contributions of Italy. It stands as a testament to the strong cultural ties and collaborations between Italy and Vietnam, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences.

Casa Italia serves as a dynamic hub that fosters cultural, economic, and trade connections between Italy and Vietnam. With a deep commitment to promoting Italian culture, Casa Italia takes pride in facilitating a wide range of activities that celebrate the rich heritage and contemporary contributions of Italy.

At the heart of Casa Italia’s mission is its dedication to hosting exceptional exhibitions and events that showcase the diverse facets of Italian culture. It is indeed an honor for Casa Italia to be the venue for the exquisite exhibition “The Bat Trang Ceramic Boots: A Fusion of Vietnamese and Italian Artistry.”

Through its vibrant and welcoming space, Casa Italia strives to strengthen the bonds between Italy and Vietnam, offering a platform for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. The exhibition is a shining example of Casa Italia’s commitment to nurturing these important connections and celebrating the beauty and creativity that arise when cultures converge.

Preservation of Cultural Values

The “Bat Trang Ceramic Boots: An Inspiration from Italy” exhibition has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Vingroup Innovation Foundation (VINIF) as part of its commitment to preserving historical and cultural values. VINIF’s sponsorship underscores its dedication to preserving cultural values. By supporting initiatives that celebrate the fusion of Vietnamese and Italian artistic traditions, VINIF plays a pivotal role in ensuring that these cultural legacies continue to thrive and inspire future generations.

In addition, this endeavor has received substantial support from esteemed sponsors, including the InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, Leapart Handmade Embroidery Shop, Ziczac Architecture Joint Stock Company, Ori Lighting, M-N Associates, and sgnhA.

Located in the heart of Hanoi, this exhibition promises to be a cultural extravaganza where the beauty of tradition harmoniously converges with the elegance of contemporary art. It’s an exceptional opportunity not to be missed, allowing you to witness the enchanting fusion of Vietnamese and Italian artistry seamlessly entwined in ceramic boots that transcend both time and boundaries

Vingroup Innovation Foundation

The Vingroup Innovation Foundation (VINIF) is a noteworthy organization committed to fostering innovation, preservation of historical and cultural values, and the advancement of knowledge and technology. VINIF is associated with Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s leading private enterprises with diverse interests in fields such as real estate, healthcare, and technology.

VINIF plays a vital role in supporting and promoting innovative projects and initiatives in Vietnam. It provides critical funding and resources to researchers, scholars, and individuals who are dedicated to making significant contributions to the country’s development in various domains, including science, technology, culture, and heritage.

One of the primary objectives of VINIF is the preservation of historical and cultural values. Under its programs, VINIF sponsors projects that aim to safeguard and promote Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. This commitment aligns with the organization’s broader vision of contributing to the betterment of Vietnamese society by preserving and advancing its cultural identity.