Soul of Bat Trang ceramics on display at Temple of Literature

THE HANOI TIMES — For the first time, ceramic items by Bat Trang craftsmen are on display at Hanoi's Temple of Literature, giving visitors a closer look to the arts of Vietnamese pottery-making. 

At the ongoing exhibition "The Soul of Clay and Ceramics", artisan Nguyen Duc Cong from Bat Trang pottery village showcases 180 artworks and restored items in the style of the Ly, Tran, Le and Nguyen dynasties (the 10th century-20th century).

Co-organized by the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities of Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam and artisan Nguyen Duc Cong, the event celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).

The special cultural activity also honors the values of Bat Trang pottery - a typical Vietnamese craft village located in Hanoi's Bat Trang Commune.

The works demonstrate the ingenuity, sophistication and soul of Bat Trang craftsmen, giving the public a complete perspective on the Vietnamese ceramic tradition that has been developing since the 15th century.

Visitors can also try making their own pottery, from molding, shaping, drawing patterns, to glazing ceramics, so that they can better understand the creative process, and the patience and ingenuity of ceramic artisans.

The experience area is an attractive highlight of the event that fosters love and pride among younger generations for the national cultural heritage.

At the exhibition, artisan and collector Nguyen Duc Cong introduces a ceramic collection imitating ceramics of the Dinh, Ly, Tran and Le dynasties along with many contemporary products.

Arranged in chronological order, the display gives viewers a visual of the continuous and diverse development of Vietnamese ceramics throughout the history.

Cong's collection details ceramics with distinctive traits from each historical period. Ceramics of the Ly and Tran dynasties from the 11th century to the late 14th century stand out with their motifs of flowers and elephant hunting.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, under the Mac dynasty, ceramics were crafted with blue glaze, four-scenery motifs, and antiques. 

From the early 19th century to the middle of the 20th century, ceramics followed the style of the Nguyen dynasty with a high level of sophistication, especially hand-molded products with ash glaze that bear the unique mark of Bat Trang craftsmen.

The collection is displayed in the area at the back of the Thai Hoc House, a place that has drawn little attention from visitors, said architect Le Thanh Vinh, former Director of the Institute for Conservation of Monuments.

The quiet space enriches the tour itinerary, and creates a closer connection between the values ​​of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam relic and the traditional Bat Trang ceramic craft, he said.

The new exhibition space affirms the role of the Temple of Literature as a museum connecting heritage with the community, he said.

Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Le Xuan Kieu said, “Artisan Nguyen Duc Cong is passionate about the pottery profession, owning a rich collection that has never been presented to the public or the media." 

"The exhibition honors the values ​​of earth, fire and the hands of the potter, and affirms the enduring vitality of the traditional craft in the flow of integration,” said Kieu.

The exhibition will run until November 15.