Watching the artisans mold the zodiac animal for Tet 2024

Towards the end of the year, Thanh Ha pottery village (Hoi An) is bustling once again, preparing clay, repairing kilns to produce zodiac animals for the Lunar New Year 2024 celebration. Watching the artisans in the pottery village mold the zodiac animal for Tet 2024 through the following article.

Introduction to Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Watching the artisans in the pottery village mold the zodiac animal for Tet 2024

Located in Hoi An, Vietnam, Thanh Ha Pottery Village stands as a testament to the rich history and artistic legacy of ceramics. With a legacy spanning over 500 years, it is the largest ceramic park in Vietnam, showcasing a vast array of exquisite pottery artworks across its expansive 6,500m2 area. More than just a tourist village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a living museum that encapsulates the traditional beauty of Hoi An, preserving unique and valuable artifacts that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage..

Why Thanh Ha Ceramic Is Special?

The art of pottery-making in Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Hoi An, is a process that embodies precision, skill, and dedication. The craftsmen in this village follow a strict and meticulous approach to create beautiful pottery pieces. From the careful selection of clay to the final firing process, each step is undertaken with utmost care to ensure the production of exceptional works of art.

The Delicate Process

The journey of a pottery piece in Thanh Ha Pottery Village begins with the careful selection of clay. The craftsmen choose the clay meticulously, ensuring that it possesses the desired qualities for molding and shaping. Once the clay is selected, it undergoes a series of preparations to improve its workability.

The clay is sculpted and cut multiple times to enhance its texture and remove any impurities. A unique technique employed in Thanh Ha involves using the force of the craftsmen’s feet to step on the clay repeatedly, improving its cohesion and creating a smooth consistency.

Shaping and Polishing

After the clay has been adequately conditioned, it is divided into smaller portions before the shaping process begins. Prior to shaping, the clay undergoes a meticulous polishing process, often carried out by skilled women. During this stage, one person stands on one leg while using the other leg to kick the spinning wheel. With both hands, the clay is carefully shaped, while another person assists by placing the clay on the spinning table, rolling it into a cocoon-like shape, and utilizing various tools to sculpt and refine the product.

Drying and Decorating

Once the shaping process is complete, the pottery pieces are set out to dry under the warm rays of the sun. This drying phase is crucial for the overall durability and stability of the pottery. After the pieces have dried, they undergo stamping and are decorated with unique strokes that are characteristic of the Pottery Village. These strokes add distinctive beauty and charm to the final product.

The Firing Process

After the pottery has been meticulously dried, it is time for the firing process. The pottery is carefully placed inside a kiln and subjected to intense heat. The firing process typically lasts for around 7 to 8 hours. Once the smoke dissipates and the fire reaches its peak, the craftsmen listen attentively for the right moment to stop the firing. They use “trial pottery” to gauge the temperature and determine if the firing is complete.

To cool the kiln rapidly, the craftsmen widen the furnace door and wait for approximately 12 hours before carefully removing the pottery. This final step requires great precision and timing, as any miscalculation can result in damaged pottery. The entire firing process typically takes around 15 days.

The Essence of Thanh Ha Ceramic

According to experienced craftsmen in Thanh Ha Pottery Village, creating authentic Thanh Ha ceramic requires tremendous effort, dedication, and the skilled touch of the craftsmen. From the initial clay selection to the shaping process on the spinning table, every movement and rotation is performed with meticulous attention to detail. Even after the initial shaping, there are numerous intricate stages that require careful handling and refinement.

The pottery pieces go through further exposure to sunlight and ink, adding depth and character to the final product. Finally, the firing process, with its critical management of fire, temperature, and time, is executed precisely to ensure the desired outcome. The craftsmen’s commitment to this meticulous process ensures that each piece of Thanh Ha ceramic carries not just beauty but also the essence of their dedication and skill.

Thanh Ha ceramic is truly special due to the rigorous and precise process undertaken by the craftsmen of Thanh Ha Pottery Village. From the selection of clay to the final firing, each step is performed with unwavering attention to detail and a commitment to preserving the traditional artistry of pottery-making. The result is a collection of exquisite pottery pieces that embody the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Thanh Ha Pottery Village.

Buying Souvenirs as Gifts

When you visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An, Vietnam, you’ll discover a treasure trove of unique souvenirs that beautifully capture the essence of the village’s rich pottery tradition. Don’t miss the opportunity to browse through a wide range of handcrafted items, perfect for gifting or as mementos of your visit.

The Village offers an impressive selection of traditional pottery pieces, each showcasing the skill and artistry of the local craftsmen. From bowls and cups to vases, fish pots, and plant pots, you’ll find a variety of functional and decorative items that exemplify the timeless craftsmanship of the region. These pieces seamlessly blend traditional techniques with a touch of modernity, resulting in visually stunning and emotionally evocative pottery. Whether you’re looking for a practical household item or an exquisite centerpiece for your home, the traditional pottery pieces from Thanh Ha Pottery Village are sure to captivate your attention.

*One of the unique aspects of souvenir shopping in Thanh Ha Pottery Village is the availability of toy figurines and sets that replicate the specialties of Hoi An’s renowned culinary delights. You’ll find miniature versions of iconic dishes such as Cao Lau, Quang noodles, and local cakes. Crafted from industrial clay, glues, and vibrant colors, these charming and creative souvenirs capture the essence of Hoi An’s gastronomic heritage. They serve as delightful reminders of the rich flavors and cultural significance of Hoi An’s culinary traditions. These culinary replicas make for unique and memorable gifts, allowing you to share a taste of Hoi An’s culinary delights with your loved ones back home.

The pottery souvenirs from Thanh Ha Pottery Village are more than just decorative items; they hold deep cultural significance and artistic value. Each piece represents the dedication and passion of the craftsmen who have honed their skills through generations. The intricate designs, elegant shapes, and vibrant colors reflect the unique aesthetics of the region. By acquiring a pottery souvenir from The Pottery Village, you not only bring home a visually striking piece of art but also a tangible connection to the cultural heritage of Hoi An.

By purchasing souvenirs from Thanh Ha Village, you actively support the local craftsmen and contribute to the preservation of traditional pottery-making techniques. Your patronage helps sustain the livelihoods of these skilled artisans, ensuring the continuity of their craft for future generations. Moreover, you become part of the story behind each piece, as every pottery item from Thanh Ha Pottery Village carries the legacy and passion of the craftsmen who created it.

Artisans in Thanh Ha Pottery Village Craft Dragon Zodiac Animals for Tet 2024

Tết, known as Tet Nguyen Dan, is the most significant traditional festival in Vietnam and many other Asian countries. Tet Nguyen Dan is celebrated to commemorate the transition from the old year to the new year according to the lunar calendar. This day usually falls in January or February of the Gregorian calendar.

Watching the artisans in the pottery village mold the zodiac animal for Tet 2024

At the end of the year, the historic Thanh Ha pottery village, with a history spanning over 500 years, is bustling with activity, preparing clay and repairing kilns to produce zodiac animals for the Lunar New Year 2024, attracting visitors from near and far seeking to explore and experience the unique Tet-themed creatures.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoang (40 years old, Thanh Ha ward) shares, “Every year, craftsmen in the village create zodiac animal sculptures for display in the pottery village. This year is no exception, as craftsmen are currently molding dragon zodiac animals to prepare for display and sale to tourists.”

Using clay enriched by the alluvial soil of the Thu Bon River, Mr. Hoang skillfully molds the clay to achieve a smooth, soft, and pliable texture. He then shapes the clay into dragon sculptures, adapting to the weather conditions around Tet, which are often cold and rainy.

The products are sun-dried for approximately 5 days to ensure complete dryness, preventing cracks during the firing process.

Crafting dragon sculptures requires patience, precision, and artistic flair. Mr. Hoang dedicates around 20 days to complete two dragon sculptures. If the weather is favorable, the sculptures will be fully dried after 5 days of exposure to the sun and then fired in electric kilns. Proper drying is crucial to prevent cracking during firing.

Mr. Hoang emphasizes, “The head of the dragon is the most challenging part, as it requires intricate details that form the ‘soul’ of the creature, including eyes, nose, beard, mouth, horns, etc., all must be sharp, exquisite, exuding a sacred and majestic beauty.”

In addition to the head, the process of creating the sculpture’s base is equally important, demanding meticulous attention to ensure sturdiness for safety during firing and longevity of the finished product.

Mr. Hoang has completed the sculpting phase for two dragon sculptures, each with a length of 90cm and a height of 55cm. After sun-drying and the completion of firing, these two dragon sculptures will be displayed at the entrance of Thanh Ha pottery village for locals and tourists to visit and capture memorable photos.

Starting from early November in the lunar calendar, Mr. Le Van Nhat (36 years old) is also diligently completing two dragon zodiac animal sculptures for 2024. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, he faces production interruptions and is currently focusing on detailing the dragon’s body.

With the concept of a dragon coiled around a vase, Mr. Nhat molds the vase base for 5 days, then carefully sculpts the coiled dragon around it.

According to Mr. Nhat, creating a dragon coiled around a vase involves many challenging steps. If the vase base molding is not solid, it will not support the dragon sculpture. Moreover, the cold and rainy weather poses many obstacles during the base molding process.

The detailed sculpting of various dragon parts, such as scales, fur, claws, fangs, requires meticulousness and artistry. Mr. Nhat tirelessly sculpts each detail to create a harmonious artwork between the vase and the dragon, dedicating time to explore and learn various techniques.

If fired using a wood kiln, it takes about 30 hours, while an electric kiln shortens the process to 20 hours. After firing, the products will retain the traditional red color of Thanh Ha pottery village. In addition to the two dragon coiled around a vase sculptures, Mr. Nhat is preparing to create many other dragon sculptures to meet the increasing demand for the Tet holiday.

Mr. Nhat expresses, “Of the twelve zodiac animals, the dragon is an abstract and spiritual creature, not commonly seen in reality. Among the Four Supernatural Creatures – Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix – the dragon stands first, representing supreme leadership, boundless strength, bringing abundance and aiding all living things.”

“In the Year of the Wood Dragon 2024, according to Eastern beliefs, the dragon is a powerful and auspicious creature, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Therefore, when sculpting dragon zodiac animals, I, along with many traditional craftsmen in Thanh Ha pottery village, proactively learn, research, and enhance our experience and techniques in crafting dragon sculptures to ensure they are lively, beautiful, and of high artistic value.”