Exhibition offers insight into 2,000-year history of Vietnamese ceramics

A visitor interested in a crackle glaze Bodhisattva statue dating back to the 18th century. Held by the Vietnam National Museum of History in collaboration with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association and collector Tran Dinh Thang who owns the An Bien collection, the exhibition introduces to the public a collection of 80 items dating from the first 10 centuries AD to the 19th century. The exhibition aims to give the public an insight into Vietnam’s ceramics through four main stages – the first 10 centuries AD, the 11th – 14th centuries, the 15th – 17th centuries, and Bat Trang ceramics from the 18th – 19th centuries. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Votive house found in a brick tomb of the 1st - 3rd centuries. In Vietnam, the first pieces of ceramics were created around 7,000 – 8,000 years ago and pottery became popular in daily life about 4,000 years ago, according Nguyen Quoc Binh from the Vietnam National Museum of History who is in charge of the exhibition. Pottery peaked during the 15th – 17th centuries when many craftsmen were capable of performing sophisticated techniques in making ceramics. Hai Duong’s Chu Dau became the country’s largest pottery hub at that time, where ceramics were also made for export. Vietnam was one of the world’s leading ceramics exporters during the period. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A 15th-century turquoise flower-patterned plate. During the mid-15th – 17th centuries, trade activities between Vietnam and foreign countries developed robustly, and Vietnamese ceramics were also made for export to Southeast, Eastern and Western Asian countries. However, between the 17th – 18th centuries, Vietnam’s pottery lost its foothold to Europe and Japan. Many pottery hubs have disappeared since then but Hanoi’s Bat Trang remains. The centuries-long history of Vietnam’s fine arts can be seen through ceramics, and people must also study ceramics if they want to explore the Vietnamese fine arts history, according to Nguyen Quoc Binh from the Vietnam National Museum of History. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A white glaze, parrot-shaped vase dating back to the 12th -13th centuries. Director of the Vietnam National Museum of History Nguyen Van Doan said the exhibition features 80 items, 58 of which from the An Bien collection while the rest come from the museum’s collection. Both collections provide visitors with a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s pottery, from the early stage to its twilight, according to him. An Bien Collection is owned by businessman Tran Dinh Thang from the northern port city of Hai Phong. It has 370 artifacts, of which there are 234 artifacts of Vietnamese origin, dating from the 1st – 3rd centuries AD to the 9th -10th centuries. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A crackle glaze Bat Trang pot dating to the Gia Long dynasty (1802-1819). During the 17th – 18th centuries, Vietnam’s pottery lost its foothold as a big exporter of ceramics to Europe and Japan. Although many pottery hubs have disappeared since then, Hanoi’s Bat Trang remains. Bat Trang pottery village is located on the banks of the Red River in Gia Lam district, about 15 km from downtown Hanoi. This is the oldest and most famous pottery village in Vietnam, attracting the attention of many domestic and foreign tourists before the COVID-19 broke out. Times passed, but Bat Trang ceramic and pottery products always maintain traditional characteristics. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Some artifacts found in an ancient ship in Cu Lao Cham in Quang Nam province, dating back to the 15th century. The ancient wreck was salvaged from 1997 to 2000. According to statistics, about 240.000 artifacts and ceramic fragments were found. Among them, some were essential items used daily by sailors on the boat, and the majority household ceramics dating back to the 15th – 16th centuries from Chu Dau – My Xa ceramic kilns. The artifacts were decorated with various kinds of glaze: turquoise, brown glaze, three colors and white glaze with cobalt blue patterns in variety of topics and decorative styles. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Brown and cobalt blue flower-patterned items. The ‘Vietnam Ceramics – A Separate Tradition: From the An Bien collection’ exhibition is jointly held by the Vietnam National Museum of History in collaboration with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association and collector Tran Dinh Thang who owns the An Bien collection. The exhibition introduces to the public a collection of 80 items dating from the first 10 centuries AD to the 19th century. It aims to give the public an insight into Vietnam’s ceramics through four main stages – the first 10 centuries AD, the 11th – 14th centuries, the 15th – 17th centuries, and Bat Trang ceramics from the 18th – 19th centuries. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Green-gray enamel vases dating back to the 7th – 9th centuries. More than 2,000 years ago, Vietnamese people acquired the pottery-making technique from China, leading to the creation of their own genre of ceramics. The trade witnessed flourish development under the Ly (1009 - 1225) and Tran (1225-1400) feudal dynasties with popular items including kettle, vase, bowl, and plate. During the mid-15th – 17th centuries, trading activities between Vietnam and foreign countries developed robustly, and Vietnamese ceramics were also made for export to Southeast, Eastern and Western Asian countries. Entering the 17th – 18th centuries, many pottery hubs in Vietnam disappeared due to historical ups and downs. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The exhibition highlights the 2,000-year history of Vietnamese ceramics. A ceramics museum is built in Bat Trang ceramics craft village. A century ago, people of Bo Bat village (now Yen Thanh commune, the northern province of Ninh Binh) followed King Ly Cong Uan from Hoa Lu to Thang Long (now Hanoi) - the new capital city. They set up a pottery and brick-making ward on the banks of the Red River, which is now Bat Trang. Bat Trang is well-known for the traditional pottery trade. There are approximately 200 enterprises and 1,000 households who produce and trade ceramic wares here, with the products exported to many countries such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Russia, Italy, and France. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

An 18th-century crackle glaze plate. The ‘Vietnam Ceramics – A Separate Tradition: From the An Bien collection’ exhibition, which will run until April next year, aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive view of Vietnamese pottery, thus raising their awareness of preserving and promoting traditional cultural and historical value. To make a beautiful and durable pottery product, it takes a long time and requires meticulousness. The product shaping process requires two people: One stands on the ground with one leg and uses the other to kick the rotary turntable, while the other uses two hands to knead the clay into desired shapes. After being shaped, pottery products are sun-dried, then baked in traditional wood-fired kilns. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Brown and cobalt blue items. The ‘Vietnam Ceramics – A Separate Tradition: From the An Bien collection’ exhibition is jointly held by the Vietnam National Museum of History in collaboration with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association and collector Tran Dinh Thang who owns the An Bien collection. The exhibition introduces to the public a collection of 80 items dating from the first 10 centuries AD to the 19th century. It aims to give the public an insight into Vietnam’s ceramics through four main stages – the first 10 centuries AD, the 11th – 14th centuries, the 15th – 17th centuries, and Bat Trang ceramics from the 18th – 19th centuries. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

An incense urn dating back to the 1st – 3rd centuries. More than 2,000 years ago, Vietnamese people acquired the pottery-making technique from China, leading to the creation of their own genre of ceramics. The trade witnessed flourish development under the Ly (1009 - 1225) and Tran (1225-1400) feudal dynasties with popular items including kettle, vase, bowl, and plate. During the mid-15th – 17th centuries, trading activities between Vietnam and foreign countries developed robustly, and Vietnamese ceramics were also made for export to Southeast, Eastern and Western Asian countries. Entering the 17th – 18th centuries, many pottery hubs in Vietnam disappeared due to historical ups and downs. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A dragon-carved cobalt blue lamp stand dating to back the 17th century. Pottery peaked during the 15th – 17th centuries when many craftsmen were capable of performing sophisticated techniques in making ceramics. Hai Duong’s Chu Dau became the country’s largest pottery hub at that time, where ceramics were also made for export. Vietnam was one of the world’s leading ceramics exporters during the period. Between the 17th – 18th centuries, Vietnam’s pottery lost its foothold to Europe and Japan. Many pottery hubs have disappeared since then, but Hanoi’s Bat Trang remains. At present, there are approximately 200 enterprises and 1,000 households who produce and trade ceramic wares here (Photo: VietnamPlus)

An animal-shaped pot dating back tp the 1st – 3rd centuries. Director of the Vietnam National Museum of History Nguyen Van Doan said the exhibition features 80 items, 58 of which from the An Bien collection while the rest come from the museum’s collection. Both collections provide visitors with a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s pottery, from the early stage to its twilight, according to him. An Bien Collection is owned by businessman Tran Dinh Thang from the northern port city of Hai Phong. It has 370 artifacts, of which 234 belong to the Vietnamese origin, dating from the 1st – 3rd centuries AD to the 9th -10th centuries. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A grey enamel incense urn dating back to the 16th century. In Vietnam, the first pieces of ceramics were created around 7,000 – 8,000 years ago and pottery became popular in daily life about 4,000 years ago, according to Nguyen Quoc Binh from the Vietnam National Museum of History who is in charge of the exhibition. Ceramics in Vietnam are a brick of a sophisticated mosaic of handicrafts which also includes embroidery, calligraphy, weaving and painting among many, many others. Over the course of the country’s history, Vietnamese ceramics have improved to the point of reaching international standard, gracing rooms across Asia, Europe and Africa. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

White enamel artifacts from the Ly dynasty (1009 - 1225) decorated with lotus pattern. The Ly dynasty was a very glorious era for Vietnamese ceramic as craftsmen of the period produced various glazed lines like celadon, white, brown and green glaze. From the brown glaze line, craftsmen of the feudal dynasty developed to brown floral pottery, a brilliant and prideworthy achievement of the profession, according to Dr. Nguyen Dinh Chien from the Vietnam National Museum of History. Pottery peaked under the Ly (1009 - 1225) and the Tran (1225-1400) feudal dynasties with popular items for daily life including kettle, vase, bowl, and plate. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

An incense urn dating back the 17th century. The ‘Vietnam Ceramics – A Separate Tradition: From the An Bien collection’ exhibition, which will run until April next year, aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive view of Vietnamese pottery, thus raising their awareness of preserving and promoting traditional cultural and historical value. To produce a beautiful and durable pottery product, it takes a long time and requires meticulousness. The product shaping process requires two people: One stands on the ground with one leg and uses the other to kick the rotary turntable, while the other uses two hands to knead the clay into desired shapes. After being shaped, pottery products are sundried, then baked in traditional wood stoves. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The Ly dynasty (1009 - 1225) was a very glorious era for Vietnamese ceramic as craftsmen of the period produced various glazed lines like celadon, white glaze, brown glaze and green glaze. From the brown glaze line, the Ly Dynasty developed to brown floral pottery, a brilliant and prideworthy achievement of the profession during the Ly dynasty. Pottery peaked under the Ly (1009 - 1225) and Tran (1225-1400) feudal dynasties with popular items including kettle, vase, bowl, and plate. Between the 17th – 18th centuries, Vietnam’s pottery lost its foothold to Europe and Japan. Many pottery hubs have disappeared since then but Hanoi’s Bat Trang remains. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A brown glaze, flower-shaped bowl dating back to the 11th – 12th centuries. Coming to the ‘Vietnam Ceramics – A Separate Tradition: From the An Bien collection’ exhibition, visitors will understand more about Vietnam’s ceramics over the past 2,000 years. The centuries-long history of Vietnam’s fine arts can be seen through ceramics, and people must also study ceramics if they want to explore the Vietnamese fine arts history. According to Vietnam National Museum of History Director Nguyen Van Doan, the exhibition features nearly 80 items, 58 of which from the An Bien collection and the rest from the museum’s collection. Both collections will provide visitors with a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s pottery, from the early stage to its twilight. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A brown enamel kettle dating back to the 13th -14th centuries. In Vietnam, the first pieces of ceramics were created around 7,000 – 8,000 years ago and pottery became popular in daily life about 4,000 years ago, according to Nguyen Quoc Binh from the Vietnam National Museum of History. Pottery peaked during the 15th – 17th centuries when many craftsmen were capable of performing sophisticated techniques in making ceramics. Hai Duong’s Chu Dau became the country’s largest pottery hub at that time, where ceramics were also made for export. Vietnam was one of the world’s leading ceramics exporters during the period. Between the 17th – 18th centuries, Vietnam’s pottery lost its foothold to Europe and Japan. Many pottery hubs have disappeared since then. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A visitor contemplating Vietnam’s pottery artefacts. The ‘Vietnam Ceramics – A Separate Tradition: From the An Bien collection’ exhibition, which will run until April next year, aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive view of Vietnamese pottery, thus raising their awareness of preserving and promoting traditional cultural and historical value. To produce a beautiful and durable pottery product, it takes a long time and requires meticulousness. The product shaping process requires two people: One person stands on the ground with one leg and uses the other to kick the rotary turntable, while the other person uses two hands to knead the clay into desired shapes. After being shaped, pottery products are sundried, then baked in traditional wood-fired kilns. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Some pottery products of the 1st – 2nd centuries. The exhibition is part of the activities to mark the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23). Many activities to honour the national tangible and intangible cultural values have been organised nationwide to celebrate The Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day. One of the highlights in the capital city of Hanoi is the Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Space exhibition at the Vietnam Arts and Culture Exhibition Centre that is open until November 27. This major cultural and tourism event will introduce and promote the cultural and natural heritage values and unique landscapes of Vietnam, particularly those recognised as world’s heritage by UNESCO. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A multi-coloured, flower-shaped plate. Held by the Vietnam National Museum of History in collaboration with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association and collector Tran Dinh Thang who owns the An Bien collection, the exhibition introduces to the public a collection of 80 items dating from the first 10 centuries AD to the 19th century. The exhibition aims to give the public an insight into Vietnam’s ceramics through four main stages – the first 10 centuries AD, the 11th – 14th centuries, the 15th – 17th centuries, and Bat Trang ceramics from the 18th – 19th centuries. The centuries-long history of Vietnam’s fine arts can be seen through ceramics, and people must also study ceramics if they want to explore the Vietnamese fine arts history. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Bat Trang pottery products dating back to the 18th century. A ceramics museum is built in Bat Trang ceramics craft village. A century ago, people of Bo Bat village (now Yen Thanh commune, the northern province of Ninh Binh) followed King Ly Cong Uan from Hoa Lu to Thang Long (now Hanoi) - the new capital city. They set up a pottery and brick-making ward on the banks of the Red River, which is now Bat Trang. Bat Trang is well-known for the traditional pottery trade. There are approximately 200 enterprises and 1,000 households who produce and trade ceramic wares here, with products exported to many countries such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Russia, Italy, and France. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

An 18th-century worshipping sword with white glaze. Coming to the ‘Vietnam Ceramics – A Separate Tradition: From the An Bien collection’ exhibition, visitors will understand more about Vietnam’s ceramics over the past 2,000 years. The centuries-long history of Vietnam’s fine arts can be seen through ceramics, and people must also study ceramics if they want to explore the Vietnamese fine arts history. According to Vietnam National Museum of History Director Nguyen Van Doan, the exhibition features nearly 80 items, 58 of which from the An Bien collection the rest from the museum’s collection. Both collections will provide visitors with a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s pottery, from the early stage to its twilight. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A brown glaze bowl dating back to the 13th – 14th centuries. In Vietnam, the first pieces of ceramics were created around 7,000 – 8,000 years ago and pottery became popular in daily life about 4,000 years ago, according to Nguyen Quoc Binh from the Vietnam National Museum of History who is in charge of the exhibition. Ceramics in Vietnam are a brick of a sophisticated mosaic of handicrafts which also includes embroidery, calligraphy, weaving and painting among many, many others. Over the course of the country’s history, Vietnamese ceramics have improved to the point of reaching international standard, gracing rooms across Asia, Europe and Africa. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A worshipping pedestal with crackle glaze, dating back to the 19th century. Director of the Vietnam National Museum of History Nguyen Van Doan said the exhibition features 80 items, 58 of which from the An Bien collection and the rest from the museum’s collection. Both collections provide visitors with a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s pottery, from the early stage to its twilight, according to him. An Bien Collection is owned by businessman Tran Dinh Thang from the northern port city of Hai Phong. It has 370 artifacts, of which 234 are of Vietnamese origin, dating from the 1st – 3rd centuries AD to the 9th -10th centuries. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Celadon ceramics dating back to the 5th – 6th century. The ‘Vietnam Ceramics – A Separate Tradition: From the An Bien collection’ exhibition is jointly held by the Vietnam National Museum of History in collaboration with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association and collector Tran Dinh Thang who owns the An Bien collection. The exhibition introduces to the public a collection of 80 items dating from the first 10 centuries AD to the 19th century. It aims to give the public an insight into Vietnam’s ceramics through four main stages – the first 10 centuries AD, the 11th – 14th centuries, the 15th – 17th centuries, and Bat Trang ceramics from the 18th – 19th centuries. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

A brown, flower-shared kettle dating back the 12th – 13th centuries. The ‘Vietnam Ceramics – A Separate Tradition: From the An Bien collection’ exhibition, which will run until April next year, aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive view of Vietnamese pottery, thus raising their awareness of preserving and promoting traditional cultural and historical value. To produce a beautiful and durable pottery product, it takes a long time and requires meticulousness. The product shaping process requires two people: One stands on the ground with one leg and uses the other to kick the rotary turntable, while the other uses two hands to knead the clay into desired shapes. After being shaped, pottery products are sundried, then baked in traditional wood-fired kilns. (Photo: VietnamPlus)