The Influence of Foreign Culture on Vietnamese Ceramics

Culture is a constant flow that changes and develops over time. In the current context of globalization, cultural interference has become inevitable, deeply affecting many different fields, including traditional arts and crafts. Vietnamese ceramics are no exception to this rule. Influences from foreign cultures have brought diversity and innovation to Vietnamese ceramics, while also posing challenges in preserving and promoting traditional identity values. 

What is foreign culture?

Foreign culture is like a breath of fresh air. Sometimes, it is the gentle waves of trade, migration, or tourism. Other times, there are stronger waves, through war or mass media, creating dramatic "encounters" between cultures. To put it simply, these are the customs, beliefs, values, lifestyle, etc. of one culture that are imported and have an influence on another culture.

Vietnamese cultural history has undergone three major transformations. The first time was the period of accepting Indian and Chinese culture in ancient and medieval times, through both forced and peaceful ways. The second time, from the second half of the 19th century to 1945, was the "forced marriage" between East and West with the strong import of Western culture from the French colonial government. And the third time, from after World War II until now, is the wave of modern Western culture. Each transition brings challenges and opportunities, but no matter the way, Vietnamese culture always knows how to absorb the quintessence and maintain its national identity.

Absorbing and promoting the good values of foreign cultures opens up new horizons for creativity. However, passively and unselectively absorbing foreign culture can lead to undesirable consequences. Culture always aims for truth, goodness, and beauty, but in the process of receiving it, sometimes we need to be alert to "settle the turbulence", protect and develop our good values.

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The influence of foreign culture on Vietnamese ceramics

1. The influence of Chinese culture on Vietnamese ceramics 

Not only ceramics, Vietnamese culture in general has been heavily influenced by Chinese culture during 1000 years of domination. During the Northern domination period, influences from Han ceramics crept into every line and pattern on Vietnamese ceramics. Decorative motifs such as majestic dragons, elegant phoenixes, or soft twisted cloud patterns. Vases, bowls, and plates are not only everyday items but also works of art containing a whole sky of history and culture.

Entering the feudal period, Vietnamese ceramics continued to absorb techniques and styles from Ming and Qing ceramics of China. Famous ceramic kilns such as Bat Trang and Chu Dau have transformed firing, enameling, and decoration techniques from the North into works with a strong Vietnamese imprint. Bat Trang ceramic vases with jade glaze and Chu Dau plates with intricate and delicate patterns not only reflect the craftsmanship of the artisans but are also evidence of profound cultural interference.

2. The influence of Japanese culture on Vietnamese ceramics 

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the cultural flow from the land of cherry blossoms quietly crept into every grain of soil and every piece of glaze of Vietnamese ceramics. Delicate decorative motifs such as gently blooming cherry blossoms, pure chrysanthemums, or elegant crane wings have begun to appear on Vietnamese ceramic products, bringing a new, colorful breeze and Japanese spirit.

In the 19th century, the characteristic cracked enamel technique of Japanese ceramics was introduced to Vietnam. Cracked enamel, with delicate natural cracks, has given Bat Trang ceramics a new look, both ancient and modern, both rustic and luxurious. Bat Trang artisans have constantly learned and innovated, turning the cracked enamel technique into a unique feature, creating ceramic works that contain both the soul and spirit of the nation.

3. The influence of European culture on Vietnamese ceramics 

The 18th and 19th centuries were the time when European culture first appeared in Vietnamese ceramics. European-style decorative motifs, with delicate flowers, vivid human figures and expressive animals are clearly reproduced.

Entering the 20th century, European industrial ceramic production techniques brought a great revolution to the ceramic industry. Modern kilns, advanced production processes and new glazing techniques have helped Vietnamese ceramics not only increase productivity but also improve product quality. Bat Trang Pottery and other traditional pottery villages have become "industrial ceramic factories", ready to meet domestic and export market needs.

You can look more at: History of Vietnamese Ceramics And Its Striking Milestones

The essence of Vietnamese culture in ceramics

Stretching across the S-shaped land, from North to South, pottery has taken root and developed brilliantly, becoming an indispensable part of Vietnam's cultural heritage. Each piece of ceramic, each decorative motif is imbued with the breath of Vietnamese soul, marking the nation's history and culture through the ages.

Ancient Vietnamese pottery collector Truong Viet Anh once commented: "Ly dynasty ceramics boasted smooth brown or ivory white glazes, with intricate shapes and decorative details. In contrast, Tran dynasty pieces showcased bolder, more rugged lines. The early Le period saw the rise of blue and white porcelain, a signature Vietnamese style that gained international acclaim. This era also witnessed advancements in ceramic decoration techniques, particularly with the use of painting methods. During the Mac and Le Trung Hung dynasties, ceramics leaned towards religious objects. Notably, this period marked the first time individual artisans received recognition, with potters like Bui Thi Do, Bui Hue, Nguyen Phong Lai, Hoang Nguu, and especially Dang Huyen Thong, becoming renowned for their devotional works such as candlesticks, incense burners, and worship towers."

The quintessence of Vietnamese culture is not only reflected in crafting techniques but also in artistic and emotional drawings and motifs. The delicate drawings, sometimes dark and sometimes light, sometimes large and sometimes small, sometimes detailed and sometimes liberal, all reflect the talent and enthusiasm of the artisans. Symbols such as the sun, cranes, geometric shapes, and scenes of dancing, singing, and boating often appear on ceramics, evoking images of folk activities and rural symbols with Vietnamese characteristics.

Folk paintings also have a great influence on ceramic art, with the themes of fish, bamboo, soup, rot or coconut collecting, monks, mouse weddings, buffalo herding and flute playing. These motifs are not only aesthetic but also associated with the life and soul of Vietnamese people, making Vietnamese ceramics unique and unmistakable with any other ceramic lines.

Conclusion

The collapse of culture can engulf an entire nation. In the current context of globalization, absorbing foreign culture is inevitable. However, this reception needs to take place selectively and with careful consideration, in accordance with the actual conditions of each country and each people. We need to appreciate and protect traditional cultural values, while at the same time creating and enriching ourselves with quintessence from outside.

Hopefully through this article, CHUS can introduce and provide information about the impacts of foreign cultures on Vietnamese ceramics. If you want to find quality Vietnamese ceramic brands with diverse techniques and styles, you can explore the "Ceramic" category right on CHUS.