History of Vietnamese Ceramics And Its Striking Milestones

Like an epic poem written with fire and earth, Vietnamese ceramics have gone through thousands of years of history, carrying within them the cultural imprint and unique identity of the nation. Each stage of development is like a new chapter, contributing to the colorful picture of Vietnamese ceramic art. Let's learn more about the history of Vietnamese ceramics with Chus in this article!

When did Vietnamese ceramics appear?

Vietnamese ceramics are a priceless traditional beauty, spanning thousands of years of history, associated with the ups and downs of the nation. Vietnamese ceramics is not only a source of pride but also a testament to the creativity, talent and cultural quintessence of the Vietnamese people.

Ceramics culture was nurtured 6000 years ago

More than 6,000 years ago, on the land of Vietnam, a brilliant ceramic culture was nurtured. Sparked from rudimentary imprints, experiencing many ups and downs in history, Vietnamese ceramics have had glorious periods, leaving a bold mark in the national cultural picture, but at times also faced many challenges. Challenges gradually fade away like invasions, natural disasters,...

The flow of time weaves through each stage, witnessing the birth and development of famous ceramic villages. Bat Trang, Chu Dau, Phu Lang,... are indelible names on the map of Vietnamese ceramics, where the talented hands of artisans breathe life into each work, preserving and promoting the tradition. through many generations.

Ceramics appear in all aspects of Vietnamese lives 

However, besides the lasting craft villages, many ceramic "stars" of the past have gradually faded and sunk into oblivion. The thousand-year journey of Vietnamese ceramics is an epic of creativity, perseverance and national pride. Preserving and promoting this valuable heritage is the shared responsibility of everyone, contributing to preserving Vietnamese cultural identity and spreading the quintessence of ceramics to international friends.

Unique features of Vietnamese ceramics from traditional to modern

Vietnamese ceramics has spanned thousands of years of history, carrying unique values that cannot be mixed with any other ceramics in the world. That unique feature is expressed through the harmonious combination of tradition and modernity, creating a unique appeal, attracting tourists and international ceramic enthusiasts.

Diverse firing techniques create ceramic products with different qualities and colors. Rich patterns, imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity such as dragons, phoenixes, lotus flowers, clouds,... or most simply depict images of people's activities in daily life.

Ceramics existed long before that

Clay is the main raw material, exploited from many regions of the country, creating unique characteristics for ceramics in each place. Rice husk ash, limestone,... are used as additives, creating durability and color for ceramics.

Vietnamese ceramics today are present in all fields including home decoration, living utensils, gifts,... with extremely rich designs and types. Vietnamese ceramic products are exported to many countries around the world, contributing to promoting the country's culture and image.

You can look more at: 5 Exquisite Handmade Ceramic Techniques That Deserve To Be Famous

Each stage of development of Vietnamese ceramics

Prehistoric period

Outstanding characteristics of Vietnamese ceramics of this period are rusticity and simplicity. Molded entirely by hand and fired in hot outdoor temperatures for many days, ceramic products carry the mark of time.

Since ancient times, ceramics have been crafted using skilled craftsmanship

The main material that makes up pottery is clay mixed with mollusk shells and plant residue, creating rough ceramic bones. Decorative patterns on ceramics are also extremely simple, mainly diagonal lines, water wave patterns, and comb patterns created when the product is still wet, some are created with a stamping table or sharp stick.

The appearance of prehistoric ceramics marked an important development in the material and spiritual life of ancient Vietnamese people. It not only demonstrates the technical and aesthetic level but is also a testament to the creativity and artistic spirit of the nation.

Dong Son cultural period

The Dong Son culture period marked a remarkable development in the pottery techniques of ancient Vietnamese people. Compared to prehistoric ceramics, Dong Son ceramics possess outstanding characteristics, demonstrating the creativity and quintessence of the nation.

Ceramics are fired in kilns at higher temperatures, using rotating wheel shaping techniques, and using a variety of decorative techniques. Thanks to that, Dong Son ceramics have high hardness, durability, beautiful and sophisticated shapes and richer and more sophisticated patterns than in the previous period.

Vietnamese ceramics of the Dong Son culture period were the foundation for the brilliant development of later ceramics. Today, Dong Son ceramics are not only archaeological relics but also a source of inspiration for Vietnamese ceramic artists to create.

Northern colonial period of Vietnam

The Northern domination period was a special historical period, marking the cultural interference between Vietnam and Chinese dynasties. In the field of ceramics, this period also recorded new and unique developments, contributing to creating a colorful picture for Vietnamese ceramics.

The artisan is meticulous throughout the ceramic shaping process

The introduction of Han ceramics into Vietnam has brought new processing techniques such as closed kilns, turntables, high-quality ceramic glazes, etc. Thanks to that, the quality of Vietnamese ceramics has improved significantly, becoming should be tougher, more durable and thinner. Decorative patterns on ceramics are also richer and more diverse, showing many characteristics of Han ceramics such as dragons, phoenixes, geometric patterns,...

Independence period

Since the 10th century, when Vietnam entered the period of building independent feudal states, pottery making also recorded outstanding developments, playing an important role in cultural and social life. the country's economy. During this period, Vietnamese ceramics reached their glorious peak, affirming their unique identity and position in the international market, known as the brilliant golden period of Vietnamese ceramics.

This period marked a new turning point in Vietnamese ceramic decorative art. With motifs of flowers, lotuses, elephants, bells,... sculpted in a simple way, close to Vietnamese nature and people. Besides, the appearance of Buddhist motifs such as lotus flowers, leaves, and Buddha statues is also a unique highlight in Ly - Tran ceramics.

Ceramics are fired using advanced techniques so they are more durable and beautiful

In particular, firing techniques during this period had much greater development than in previous periods. Toad kilns, flat kilns, and dragon kilns have been used by potters to raise the firing temperature of products from 1200 degrees Celsius to 1280 degrees Celsius. Thanks to that, Ly - Tran ceramics have high durability and smooth glossy glaze. and good heat resistance.

Pre-modern and modern period 

Today, Vietnamese ceramics have inherited and developed significantly compared to previous periods. Manual kilns have been replaced by modern thermal kilns, ensuring mass production needs are met. Thanks to that, Vietnamese ceramic products are increasingly diverse in designs, beautiful patterns, richer and more prominent.

Whether ancient or modern, Vietnamese ceramics still play an important role in traditional art and culture

Vietnamese ceramics have become a prestigious brand, favored by many international friends and consumers. Vietnamese ceramics are not only handicraft products but also works of art with great cultural and historical value.

The development of Vietnamese ceramics is a testament to the creativity, talent and bravery of Vietnamese potters. Preserving and promoting Vietnamese ceramic traditions is the responsibility of every Vietnamese person, so that Vietnamese ceramic masterpieces will last forever.

You can look more at: Ceramics - Imprints In History To Modern Life

Conclusion

Above are some sharings revolving around the topic of the history of Vietnamese ceramics. Hopefully this article will help you gain more useful and new information about ceramics, one of the cultural beauties of our country that needs to last forever. You can easily find and buy ceramics with a variety of designs and prices on CHUS website. Besides, CHUS's team of consultants will always help you quickly answer questions related to ceramics.