Bat Trang, cradle of ceramics in Vietnam

Bat Trang, a small village in the north of Vietnam, is about 13 kilometers south east of Hanoi center, on the other side of Chuong Duong bridge. Ceramic production in Bat Trang has existed since at least the 14th century, thus, the village is considered the cradle of ceramics in Vietnam.

The pottery village is the oldest and most famous in Vietnam, attracting the attention of numerous local and foreign tourists.

Located in an area which is rich in clay, the village has advantage of ingredients to create fine ceramics.

With over 600 kilns in operation, Bat Trang is home to the largest number of kilns nationwide.

The vast majority of households in the village of Bat Trang are directly involved in the production of ceramics.

Bat Trang ceramics are produced for daily household use (bow, cup, plates, pot, bottle…), worshiping, or decoration purposes.

Bat Trang ceramic village products have been highly valued for their quality, diverse designs, and varieties, divided into functional groups such as household ceramics, worship items, ceramics for construction and decorative ceramics.

A stall in Bat Trang sells a variety of items, diverse in types, colors and sizes. Souvenirs, dishes, jars, teapots, cups, art decorations, worship items, flower vase, among others, all are meticulously elaborated.

With regard to origins, there are different legends and stories about the formation of the village. According to the historical epic, people from Bo Bat commune, Ninh Binh province settled in this land under Ly Dynasty (1010 - 1225). These people took advantage of a plentiful reserve of white clay in the village to produce ceramic items. From that time, Bat Trang is well-known for its traditional pottery.

Visiting Bat Trang ceramic village, tourists can witness the process of making pottery

According to the artisans of the village, the popular themes of Bat Trang products are dragon, phoenix, couplets, countryside landscape and people reflecting the spirituality and philosophy of Vietnamese people. These motifs are carved exquisitely and skillfully which make Bat Trang pottery distinctive in comparison to other pottery villages’ products.

To create a perfect product, the artisans have to follow 3 steps. Firstly, they have to make the product frame. To have a good frame, they have to choose suitable clay to make it. Then, they paint and cover the product with glazes. After being baked for 3 days and 3 nights, the product is taken out, classified, checked, and repaired if it has any flaw.