The Vietnamese are very good at a few things, one of which is making beautiful and beautiful ceramic work.
Vietnamese pottery is part of highly cultural crafts including embroidery, calligraphy, weaving and painting, among others.
Throughout the country’s history, Vietnamese ceramics have reached international standards and are popular in Asia, Europe, Africa and beyond.
With Indochina Sails (one of the most trusted cruise lines in Halong Bay), we will learn about Vietnamese pottery from prehistoric times to modern times.
A brief history of Vietnamese ceramics
Given that Vietnam’s fascination with ceramics began during the Bronze Age, it’s no surprise that Vietnamese ceramics are now an important part of the country’s identity. In some handicraft villages in modern Vietnam, Bronze Age (known as Dong Son in northern Vietnam) technology has changed little, and Vietnamese ceramics from here owe a lot to their distant ancestors.
The Bronze Age
The Bronze Age is a period in human history characterized by the widespread use of bronze for tools, weapons, and other objects. It is traditionally thought to have begun around 3000 BCE in parts of the Near East and lasted until the advent of the Iron Age around 1000 BCE.
The Bronze Age was a significant milestone in human history, as the widespread use of bronze allowed for the development of more advanced tools and weapons. Bronze is a strong and durable metal that is made by combining copper with small amounts of tin or other metals. It is much harder than copper alone and can be sharpened to a finer edge, making it ideal for tools and weapons.
During the Bronze Age, civilizations in the Near East, Egypt, and the Mediterranean developed sophisticated metallurgy techniques for the production of bronze objects. These objects included tools such as axes, knives, and saws, as well as weapons such as swords and spears. Bronze was also used to create decorative objects such as statues and jewelry.
The Bronze Age also saw the development of new forms of social organization, including the rise of city-states and early empires. Trade and commerce flourished, as people exchanged goods and ideas over long distances. The development of writing also allowed for the recording of history and the creation of complex administrative systems.
Overall, the Bronze Age was a period of significant technological, social, and cultural development, and it laid the foundation for many of the advances that would follow in the Iron Age and beyond.
Around the same time, the Sa Huynh culture of southern Vietnam and Borneo developed their own style of pottery for use in burials and chests containing the belongings of the recently deceased. The Sa Huynh and Dong Son cultures of modern Vietnam laid the foundation for the country’s growing obsession with decorative pottery.
Over the next ten centuries, Vietnamese ceramics of the time adopted more Chinese methods. This ended in the 11th century, when the Ly Dynasty conquered China, made Thang Long (Hanoi) its capital, and ushered in a period of national pride.
Over the next 200 years, Hanoi’s jade-glazed pottery gained international recognition throughout East Asia. The Ly dynasty was succeeded by the Tran dynasty, who continued the North Vietnamese pottery tradition until the 1400s. During this period, the center of production shifted from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa, and the pottery style changed from green glaze to iron brown, but Vietnamese pottery continued its golden age of splendor throughout the country and on the mainland.
During this period, the Vietnamese ambassador to China brought Chinese technology back to his homeland and passed it on to the village that later became the Vietnamese ceramic power plant. Bat Trang is now internationally renowned in ceramics, but its history dates back to the early 15th century. The village perfected the art of white pottery, while the nearby villages of Tho Ha and Phu Lang produce beautiful red and yellow pottery respectively.
Bat Trang is a small village located in the Gia Lam district of Hanoi, Vietnam, that is known for its traditional pottery and ceramics. The village has a long history of ceramic production, dating back over 600 years to the Ly dynasty in the 14th century.
Bat Trang
The name “Bat Trang” translates to “bowl village,” and the village is famous for producing a wide variety of ceramic bowls, plates, cups, and other household items. The ceramics are made using traditional techniques, including hand-molding, wheel-throwing, and hand-painting.
The village is also known for its beautiful blue and white ceramics, which are decorated with intricate designs and patterns. These ceramics are made using a special glaze that contains cobalt oxide, which gives them their distinctive blue color.
In addition to traditional pottery, Bat Trang is also known for producing modern and innovative ceramic designs that incorporate elements of traditional Vietnamese culture. Many of these ceramics are sold in local shops and markets, as well as in stores and galleries around the world.
Today, Bat Trang is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can tour local ceramic workshops and observe the pottery-making process firsthand. The village also hosts an annual ceramic festival, which showcases the best of local ceramic art and design.
Overall, Bat Trang is an important cultural and artistic center in Vietnam, and its traditional pottery and ceramics are highly regarded for their beauty and craftsmanship.
During this time, Vietnam found a style that it still adheres to today. The blue color on a white background became a popular style during the Nguyen Dynasty, the last royal family in Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.
The Nguyen Dynasty was the last ruling dynasty in Vietnam, spanning from 1802 to 1945. It was established by Emperor Gia Long in 1802, following a period of civil war and instability in Vietnam.
The Nguyen Dynasty
Under the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam experienced significant political and cultural developments. The dynasty was characterized by its strong centralization of power and efforts to modernize the country. Emperor Gia Long abolished the previous administrative system and created a new one based on Confucian principles, which allowed him to centralize power and strengthen the authority of the monarchy.
During the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam saw an expansion of its territory through military conquests, particularly in the central and southern regions. The dynasty also made significant efforts to develop the country’s infrastructure, including the construction of roads, bridges, and public works.
Culturally, the Nguyen Dynasty was marked by a flourishing of literature, arts, and scholarship. The dynasty supported the development of classical Vietnamese literature and the arts, including poetry, music, and painting.
Despite these developments, the Nguyen Dynasty was also marked by significant challenges and conflicts. The French colonized Vietnam in the late 19th century, leading to a period of French rule that lasted until the mid-20th century. The Nguyen Dynasty also faced several rebellions and uprisings, including the Tay Son Rebellion in the late 18th century and the Can Vuong uprising in the 1880s.
The Nguyen Dynasty came to an end in 1945 when Emperor Bao Dai abdicated the throne following the Japanese occupation of Vietnam during World War II. Today, the Nguyen Dynasty is remembered for its contributions to Vietnamese culture and society, as well as for its efforts to modernize and develop the country during a period of significant change and transformation.
White and blue ceramics in royal hues are now known as bleu de hué, a highly sought-after style of ceramics that is now mass-produced. Bat Trang is famous for this style, and it is hoped that the small village’s increased production will one day rival Chinese and French porcelain as the finest pottery in the world.
Where to buy Vietnamese ceramics?
Where to buy Vietnamese ceramics?
Ceramics from Vietnam can be difficult to ship home, but that doesn’t stop many international tourists from filling their suitcases with handmade ceramics from all over the country. While ceramics can be found in larger cities like Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, we recommend heading straight to Village Source for more authentic and often cheaper one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Phu Lang
Phu Lang is a traditional pottery village located in the northern province of Bac Ninh, Vietnam. The village has a rich history of pottery-making, dating back over 700 years, and is known for producing high-quality ceramic wares that are sought after both domestically and internationally.
The pottery made in Phu Lang is created using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of artisans. The pottery is typically made from local clay and fired in wood-fired kilns, which gives the finished products a distinctive appearance and texture. The ceramics are also known for their intricate and elegant designs, which often feature floral motifs and other traditional patterns.
In addition to pottery, Phu Lang is also known for its traditional craft of making “ao dai,” a type of traditional Vietnamese dress. The village is home to several workshops and studios where visitors can watch artisans create these beautiful garments by hand.
Phu Lang has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, with visitors coming from all over the world to witness the traditional pottery-making techniques and learn about the village’s rich cultural history. In addition to the workshops and studios, visitors can also explore the narrow streets and alleys of the village, which are lined with historic houses and temples.
Phu Lang is also known for its annual pottery festival, which takes place in September and attracts thousands of visitors each year. During the festival, artisans from Phu Lang and other nearby villages come together to showcase their traditional pottery-making skills and sell their wares.
Overall, Phu Lang is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in traditional Vietnamese crafts and culture. The village’s rich history, stunning pottery, and welcoming community make it a must-see destination in northern Vietnam.
- Bat Trang – Most people who want to buy ceramics in Vietnam will settle in Bat Trang, a small village with a great reputation. Located on the outskirts of Hanoi, Bat Trang is one of the largest ceramic centers in Vietnam, attracting casual tourists and serious collectors alike. Many utensils and decorative pottery find their way into many homes in Vietnam due to their low prices and enduring quality, and can be found in village pottery markets and beyond.
- Phu Lang – Founded together with Bat Trang during the Tran Dynasty, Phu Lang continues to produce exquisite works of art to this day. The village is located in Bac Ninh province, which borders Hanoi in the northeast, making it an easy day trip for tourists. Phu Lang was famous for its yellow pottery in the 15th century, but today it mainly produces large pots and jars for domestic use.
- Thanh Ha – This picturesque village has most of the beauty of neighboring Hoi An and captures some of the great charm of this historic port city. Thanh Ha is located on the banks of the Thu Bon River in central Vietnam, making red ceramics out of rustic houses. The large pots and bowls made here are usually for domestic use, but smaller trinkets are also available for tourists who want to buy Vietnamese ceramics in a beautiful red brick village setting.
Thanh Ha
Thanh Ha village is a traditional ceramic village located in the central province of Quang Nam, Vietnam. The village has a long history of pottery-making, dating back to the 16th century during the reign of the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, Thanh Ha is known for producing high-quality ceramic wares that are popular with locals and tourists alike.
The pottery made in Thanh Ha is created using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of artisans. The clay used to make the pottery is sourced from nearby mountains and mixed with water to create a workable clay. The artisans then shape the clay into various forms, including bowls, vases, and figurines, using a potter’s wheel or their hands.
One of the unique features of Thanh Ha pottery is the use of a special type of glaze made from ashes collected from rice husks. The glaze gives the finished products a distinctive brown color and adds to the durability of the pottery.
In addition to pottery, Thanh Ha is also known for its traditional architecture, including ancient houses and temples. Visitors to the village can explore these historic buildings and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Thanh Ha has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, with visitors coming from all over the world to witness the traditional pottery-making techniques and learn about the village’s rich history. In addition to the workshops and studios, visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the area, including nearby rice paddies and the Thu Bon River.
Overall, Thanh Ha is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in traditional Vietnamese crafts and culture. The village’s rich history, stunning pottery, and welcoming community make it a must-see destination in central Vietnam.
- Bau Truc – The marked differences in Bau Truc pottery are a product of alternative techniques used in the village. Located in Ninh Thuan Province, near the southern city of Da Lat, Bau Truc tells the story of the Cham people, a civilization that inherited the pottery-loving Sa Huynh during the Bronze and Iron Ages. At Bau Truc, unlike a kiln, the pottery is fired in the open; a truly ancient method of Vietnamese pottery making that produces beautiful results on brown pots with Cham designs.
- Bien Hoa – Another village inspired by ancient Cham traditions is Bien Hoa in Dong Nai, a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City. This “village” later developed into a full-fledged city, gaining international recognition from countries such as Japan, France and Thailand. Bien Hoa’s terracotta wares and copper-spotted glazes sold out at many exhibitions throughout the 20th century, and the city was inundated with requests for more. Tourists can see ancient and modern methods of purchasing Vietnamese ceramics in Bien Hoa.
- Vinh Long – Definitely a contender for the most beautiful Vietnamese pottery shopping village, Vinh Long sits on the banks of the Co Chien River in the vast Mekong Delta. The city’s pottery-making district can be hard to find, but those who do find it will be rewarded with stunning views of the huge brick kilns and perfectly round pottery. Vinh Long’s location amidst the lush nature of the Mekong Delta adds a lot to its charm. In addition to this, there is the beautiful terracotta, in the form of many ornaments in the humble workshops of the villages.
Bau Truc
Bau Truc is a small village located in the Ninh Thuan province of Vietnam, which is renowned for its traditional pottery-making techniques. The village is home to the Cham people, an ethnic minority group in Vietnam, who have been producing pottery in the area for over 500 years.
The pottery made in Bau Truc is unique and distinct from other forms of Vietnamese pottery, as it is made using a technique known as “coiling and shaping.” This involves using coils of clay to build up the walls of the vessel, which are then shaped by hand into their final form. The pottery is then dried in the sun before being fired in a kiln.
The clay used in Bau Truc pottery is sourced from the nearby river and is known for its high quality and durability. The pottery is typically unglazed, giving it a natural, earthy appearance, and is decorated with intricate patterns and designs, often featuring motifs from Cham culture and mythology.
Bau Truc pottery is an important part of Cham culture and heritage, and the villagers take great pride in preserving and promoting their traditional craft. The village has several workshops and studios where visitors can watch the pottery-making process and purchase handmade pieces directly from the artisans.
In recent years, the popularity of Bau Truc pottery has grown beyond Vietnam, with pieces being exported and sold around the world. However, the artisans of Bau Truc remain committed to preserving their traditional techniques and ensuring that their pottery continues to be a symbol of Cham identity and culture.
The Gorgeous Ceramics of Indochine Cruise – The most luxurious cruise ship in Halong Bay and Lanha Bay
Vietnam’s incredible ceramic heritage has found a home on Indochine Cruise, the latest line of luxury cruises to launch in Lan Ha Bay. Our amalgamation of old Vietnamese and French colonial styles naturally led to a focus on pottery, which occupies an important place in the cultural makeup of both countries.
Lan Ha Bay is a stunning natural wonder located in the Cat Ba archipelago of northern Vietnam, near the famous Ha Long Bay. It is a lesser-known destination than Ha Long Bay, but is equally beautiful and less crowded, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more peaceful and secluded experience.
Lan Ha Bay
The bay covers an area of about 7,000 hectares and features over 400 limestone islets, many of which are covered in lush vegetation. The calm waters of the bay are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
One of the main attractions of Lan Ha Bay is its stunning scenery, which includes towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and beautiful sandy beaches. Visitors can explore the bay by boat, kayak, or on foot, and can discover secluded coves and hidden lagoons that are inaccessible by larger vessels.
In addition to its natural beauty, Lan Ha Bay is also known for its rich cultural history. The bay is home to several fishing villages, where visitors can learn about the traditional way of life of the local fishermen and sample fresh seafood.
To preserve the natural environment and the traditional way of life of the local communities, Lan Ha Bay has been designated as a protected area by the Vietnamese government. Visitors are encouraged to follow responsible tourism practices, such as avoiding littering and respecting local customs and traditions.
Overall, Lan Ha Bay is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Vietnam.
In many public areas of the Indochine Cruise, including restaurants and lounges, visitors can find incredible Vietnamese ceramic works proudly displayed as ornate decorations.
For example, our lounge at Bat Trang offers handcrafted jugs and planters, not only in the Bleu de Hue style, but also more delicate pieces in many vibrant colours. These are placed in a central display case to enhance the cruise’s sense of luxury and infuse it with charming Vietnamese heritage.
Inside the cabin, passengers sleep under eye-catching artwork unique to Indochine Cruises. Each stateroom is enhanced by an incredible piece of lacquer art that runs from the headboard to the ceiling.
Each design is completely individual, created by artisans in the village of Ha Thai, 30 kilometers south of Hanoi. About 650 families here have been professional painters since the 17th century.
Leave a reply