15 Famous And Talented Ceramic Artisans of Vietnam

Contributing to making unique ceramic products, carrying the national soul, the hands of ceramic artists are indispensable. They are people who have lived quietly with contributions to society, to the country's cultural quintessence, in order to maintain the traditional beauty of Vietnamese pottery. Let's join CHUS in taking a look at 15 prominent names in the Vietnamese pottery industry, people who are well known for their talent and tireless enthusiasm.

What does ceramic artisans do?

Ceramic artisan is a noble title, reserved for people with high qualifications and talent in the field of ceramic art. Unlike artists, artisans are often not professionally trained at school but are the result of teaching from many generations ago. They are skilled craftsmen in techniques such as stroking, molding, and drawing on ceramics.

To create special ceramic products, artisans need to have profound knowledge of culture, history, and national traditions, while combining creativity and craftsmanship. They must also grasp the tastes and needs of customers to create aesthetic and unique products, thereby contributing to enriching and preserving the cultural beauty of the country.

15 Vietnamese ceramic artisans with such skills and experience

1. Nguyễn Chí Cường ceramic artisan

Born on September 10, 1985, since 2014, Nguyen Chi Cuong has begun his journey of producing hand-painted ceramics, especially Feng Shui style ceramics. He is also an active member of Giang Cao ceramics club.

With a spirit of dedication and passion, Nguyen Chi Cuong has achieved many outstanding successes. He excellently won first prize in the Hanoi handicraft product model design competition in 2023 and 3rd prize in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development product model competition in 2021.

2. Nguyễn Đức Thắng ceramic artisan

Nguyen Duc Thang is the father of many unique ceramic works. He was recognized as an Outstanding Artist in December 2023. Starting as an employee in 1986, Nguyen Duc Thang has gradually affirmed his talent and skills in ceramic making. After many years of accumulating experience, he decided to open a pottery workshop at home in 1992, where he could freely express his creativity and passion.

One of the outstanding products that Nguyen Duc Thang is focusing on is statue pots for growing plants. These statue pots are not only beautiful handicraft products but also a delicate combination of traditional art and modern needs.

3. Tô Thanh Sơn ceramic artisan 

Ceramic artisan To Thanh Son is one of four famous artisans of Bat Trang pottery village, including Do, Thang, Loi and himself. Among his colleagues, he stands out with his technique of creating cracked glaze from ceramic bones.

With more than 20 years of experience in pottery, he has created countless Bat Trang ceramic products that are trusted by users such as altar items, teapots, dishes... His products are also displayed in the showroom. Separately displayed with vases, vases, incense burners, Buddha statues...

To Thanh Son is also known for being specially ordered in the Thai Mieu - Lam Kinh - Thanh Hoa area. He is also the keeper of lost cracked glaze ceramic products from the 19th century. Meticulous personality, patience and passion for art have helped To Thanh Son become one of the leading ceramic artists, not only preserving and developing traditional art but also bringing new creative breakthroughs. for Bat Trang pottery village.

4. Giang Thị Mai ceramic artisan

Giang Thi Mai, an excellent ceramic artist, has made her mark in the traditional ceramic village of Giang Cao, Bat Trang. In 2021, Mai's dedication and talent were honored with an Artisan certificate, demonstrating perseverance and constant effort. Mai's typical work is "Loc Binh with Wood Grains", a delicate combination of images of fortune and wood grain, symbolizing luck and creativity.

Mrs. Giang Thị Mai with many years of association with Vietnamese ceramics

5. Lê Minh Châu ceramic artisan

Pottery artist Le Minh Chau is famous for creating exquisite and unique flower vases. In particular, his son, Le Minh Ngoc, continued the family talent with the tallest vase in Vietnam, up to 3.2 meters in height. This vase has been registered in the Vietnam record book and is displayed at many prestigious ceramic exhibitions.

6. Đào Văn Hải ceramic artisan

Artist Dao Van Hai is a model of perseverance and passion. Born and raised in the traditional pottery village of Giang Cao Bat Trang, he has spent more than 25 years working with ceramic materials, turning each block of soil into unique works of art.

In 2019, his efforts were recognized with an artisan degree. His signature work is the feng shui vase "Loc Binh". This is not only a symbol of luck and prosperity, but also contains his soul, while conveying profound messages about culture and spirituality.

7. Nguyễn Khang ceramic artisan

Artist Nguyen Khang is an expert in ceramic and porcelain paintings. He built his own brand, becoming a famous name in the ceramic painting market of Bat Trang village. His career has attracted attention and appreciation from experts both at home and abroad.

8. Vương Mạnh Tuấn ceramic artisan

Artist Vuong Manh Tuan, a son of Bat Trang pottery village, has been involved in pottery for nearly 40 years. Born in 1964, he has gradually successfully crafted unique and sophisticated Tu Sa teapots. In the eyes of tea connoisseurs, Tu Sa tea sets created by Vuong Manh Tuan's skillful hands are not only beautiful but also delicious when making tea.

Mr. Vương Mạnh Tuấn and his journey to nurture his passion

9. Đào Văn Cam ceramic artisan

Artist Dao Van Cam is one of the great contributors to the Vietnamese ceramic art industry. After graduating from Indochina University of Fine Arts, he devoted his whole life to researching and creating ceramics. Since then, he has created ceramic products with artistic value, from small statues to large ceramic paintings. Skillful craftsmanship and passion help him express his ideas and emotions through each work.

10. Vũ Đức Thắng ceramic artisan

With more than 40 years of attachment to traditional pottery, the late artisan Vu Duc Thang has become a symbol of creativity and perseverance in Bat Trang ceramic village. He is not only proficient in ceramic techniques, but also a talented artist in combining traditional art with modern styles.

The specialness of his works lies in always finding inspiration from the simple beauty of Vietnamese life. His ceramic paintings are not merely images, but also expressions of national spirit. His engraving and enameling technique is something that not everyone can do, giving each work uniqueness and somewhat the "Soul of Vietnam".

With talent and passion, Vu Duc Thang's products have been loved not only domestically but also beyond borders, and are the highlight of Vietnamese ceramic art in the international arena. He left a deep impression in the hearts of art lovers and is a constant source of inspiration for future generations of artists.

11. Nguyễn Lợi ceramic artisan and Phạm Thị Châu ceramic artisan

Nguyen Loi and Pham Thi Chau are known as a rare husband and wife who both pursue pottery making and are appointed artisans. Graduating from Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts, both have created impressive and artistic ceramic works.

Nguyen Loi, with perseverance and passion, has experienced difficult challenges. But every failure is just a stepping stone to success. With his unique enamel color, he has won many prestigious awards, contributing to enriching cultural heritage. Pham Thi Chau, an equally important companion, together with Nguyen Loi built a meaningful artistic journey.

12. Trần Độ ceramic artisan

Artisan Tran Do, an outstanding son of Bat Trang craft village, is honored by the profession as "King of Bat Trang Ceramic Enamel". His legacy of more than 60 types of ancient glazes is a testament to his erudition and breadth in ceramics.

Born in 1957 into the Tran family in Bat Trang, from a young age Tran Do was guided into the profession by his father. His childhood passed with hard work in the pottery factory, from preparing soil to grinding and catching clay.

Thanks to the training of his father and superiors, he gradually became a talented artisan. With research and passion for ancient Bat Trang ceramics, Tran Do found his own direction. His ceramic products carry the soul of Vietnam, recreating the elegant patterns of Vietnamese dynasties.

13. Trần Hợp ceramic artisan

When talking about famous Vietnamese ceramic artists, it is impossible not to mention Tran Hop. He is mainly known for two types of glaze: Cordyline and Crystalline. Thanks to his ingenuity in using glaze, he created unique ceramic works that exude special aesthetic beauty.

14. Nguyễn Văn Hưng ceramic artisan

After more than 30 years of being immersed in the beauty of earthy ceramics, artisan Nguyen Van Hung is still diligent, diligently devoting his intelligence and effort to his craft. Each of his works is the crystallization of sophistication, value and distinction. Coming to ceramics because of the word "Destiny" - Fate of profession and fate of life, because his father is famous artist Nguyen Van Con.

Armed with solid support from his family, artisan Nguyen Van Hung worked hard at his craft, overcoming thousands of hardships to create the passionate glaze of Vietnamese-branded ceramic masterpieces. In particular, his ceramics are also honored to appear at many of the largest cultural festivals in the country such as: The scent of Bat Trang ceramics; Traditional Craft Festival in Hue; Exhibition of 60 years of Uncle Ho's visit to Bat Trang; "60 donated ceramic art works" program...

15.  Lê Quang Quẻ Chiến ceramic artisan

Le Quang Que Chien is a painter and lecturer at the University of Industrial Fine Arts. He was honored with the title "Hanoi Artisan" awarded by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Information. With extensive knowledge and experience in the field of fine arts, he has created creative and unique works. His contribution not only enriches Vietnam's cultural and artistic heritage but also inspires the younger generation of artists.

Conclusion

Without artisans with deep love, the ceramic products created would just be inanimate blocks of clay. It is the skilled craftsmen who create their souls and give them special shapes. Each product will contain its own stories about life, love for people and country.

Please join CHUS in supporting Vietnamese ceramic artists through unique Vietnamese branded products. To preserve and create the quintessence of art and culture for young and future generations. Let Vietnamese ceramics live forever in the hearts of Vietnamese people!