Exploring the Traditional Ceramic History in 4 Sino-Eastern Countries

Ceramics have played an undeniable role in culture, tradition, and art from ancient times to the present day, spanning numerous countries worldwide. Particularly, the four East Asian countries - Vietnam, China, Japan, and Korea - all have prominent ceramic traditions. Let's explore the diversity and allure of this art with Chus!

Vietnam, China, Japan, and Korea - each with a rich tradition of ceramics:

1. Vietnamese Ceramics

A glimpse into ancient and contemporary Vietnamese ceramics

Vietnamese ceramics have a long history dating back thousands of years, including a significant period before Chinese domination evidenced by archaeological findings.

Many Vietnamese ceramic products, following the era of Chinese influence, were heavily impacted by Chinese ceramics but later evolved to possess distinct Vietnamese characteristics.

Vietnamese ceramic artists blended indigenous Vietnamese elements with Chinese influences. They also experimented with their own styles and integrated features from various cultures like Cambodia, India, and Champa.

Notable highlights of Vietnamese ceramics:

Bat Trang Ceramics:

Bat Trang ceramics are produced in the village of Bat Trang, with the earliest kilns recorded as far back as 1352. Situated in a region rich in suitable clay for exquisite ceramics production.

The history of ceramic production in the village dates back to the 14th century and has continuously remained a popular and widely traded product by local merchants and European traders throughout Southeast Asia and the Far East. Today, Bat Trang continues to produce various pottery items not only for the domestic market but also for export to Japan, one of Vietnam's significant ceramic markets.

Shipwreck Ceramics in Hoi An:

In 1983, a shipwreck was discovered near Cu Lao Cham. By the late 1990s, the artifacts on the ship were recovered. The salvage operation lasted for four years and cost $14 million at the time.

The ceramic ware on the ship dates back to the mid to late 15th century and originates from the northern region, with pottery kilns in Hai Duong, notably the famous Chu Dau ceramics. However, excavation in the area revealed only remnants of the ancient kilns, as finished ceramics had been exported from Vietnam to distant lands. This indicates the flourishing ceramic industry and trade in ancient Vietnam.

Chu Dau Ceramics:

Chu Dau ceramics, also known as Chu Dau or Vietnamese blue and white ceramics, are traditional Vietnamese ceramics produced in the villages of Chu Dau and My Xa, now part of Hai Duong province.

The Chu Dau ceramic village is believed to have started in the 13th century, reaching its peak in the 16th century before declining and disappearing in the 17th century. There is little known documentation related to ceramics in this area.

Therefore, Vietnamese Chu Dau ceramics were relatively unknown until an incident involving Mr. Makoto Anabuki, a Japanese diplomat in Tokyo, who investigated the origin of a blue and white ceramic jar at the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul (Turkey) as he suspected it to be Vietnamese rather than Chinese. This incident led to the survey and excavation of the shipwreck off Cu Lao Cham (Quang Nam). (Source: Tuoi Tre newspaper).

This incident garnered significant attention as previously, it was believed that Chu Dau ceramics were invaluable items displayed in museums worldwide, from the Philippines, Indonesia, the Netherlands, etc., were... Chinese ceramics. Subsequently, a series of archaeological and research activities were conducted to "revive" Chu Dau ceramics.

After centuries of disappearance, Chu Dau ceramics are gradually returning to the market domestically and internationally. Since the first batch of Chu Dau ceramic products left the kiln in 2003, these products have been exported to many countries worldwide, alongside their resurgence in the domestic market.

Cham Ceramics:

The Cham ceramic art of the provinces of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of urgent need for protection. The ceramics are entirely hand-shaped without using a pottery wheel.

Vietnamese ceramics continue to develop steadily and robustly, continuing, inheriting, and promoting the traditional ceramic techniques of their ancestors.

2. Chinese Ceramics

A glimpse to Chinese ceramics

Chinese ceramics have undergone continuous development from prehistoric times to the present day. Ceramics are one of the most important art forms in China and have had a global influence. Therefore, "Chinese" ceramics have led to the alternative name "china" given by the English.

Ceramic-making techniques developed early from the Neolithic period. Chinese ceramics are diverse in function and technique, ranging from building materials like bricks and tiles to handmade ceramics fired in specialized kilns, and notably high-quality Chinese porcelain serving the imperial court and for export to Europe.

Important periods in the history of Chinese ceramics include the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Some famous types of Chinese ceramics:

Guanware or Kuanware: This is one of the famous "Five Great Kilns" originating from Bianjing, now part of Ha Nam province, China.

Jun Ware: Also one of the Five Great Kilns. This type of ceramic has colors ranging from sky red to blue, extending from ochre to purple.

White and blue porcelain: Regarded as a legacy product, reaching its peak in the Ming – Qing period, it is one of the most high-end and expensive types of ceramics of that time.

Today, Chinese ceramics are diverse in design and quality, including industrial-scale production with modern machinery. With various options in design and affordable prices, this product serves diverse user needs. Patterns and motifs on products are delicately and meaningfully decorated. The high-quality decorative glaze enhances the aesthetic beauty of the products.

3. Japanese Ceramics

Introduction to Japanese ceramics:

Japanese ceramics are one of the oldest arts and crafts in the land of the rising sun. Japanese pottery has its origins from the Neolithic period. Pottery kilns produced all kinds of products from clay, pottery, porcelain, glazed ceramics, white and blue porcelain.

In particular, pottery from the Jomon period (10,500-300 BCE) was produced very early, making Japan one of the countries with the oldest ceramic traditions in the world. Ceramics played a significant role in Japanese culture, continuing to be present daily in the tea culture - an essential element of Japan, both in traditional and modern popular culture.

Some types of Japanese ceramics:

Jomon Pottery: According to some archaeological evidence, Jomon pottery is considered to have the earliest pottery vessels in the world around the 14th millennium BCE.

Mikawachi Ceramics: Famous for its cobalt blue and white glaze, usually with light blue to emphasize detailed shaping and delicate white color. Mikawachi ceramics are made from much finer particles than most Japanese ceramics, allowing for small, intricate, and sophisticated, complex details.

Raku Ware: Raku ware is used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It is a traditional ceramic type famous worldwide for its rustic beauty and tradition.

4. Korean Ceramics

An overview of Korean ceramics:

The history of ceramics in this region began with the oldest earthenware ceramics from around 8000 BCE. Throughout history, the Korean peninsula has been a vibrant hub for creative ceramic arts and talents. Long periods of stability and peace in the early days facilitated the extraordinary development of handicrafts.

In the late 16th century, during the Japanese invasion of what is now Korea (then Joseon), many talented Korean ceramic artists were captured and taken to Japan. Thus, Korean ceramics had a significant influence on and inherited the essence of Korean ceramics at that time.

Some types of Korean ceramics by name or period:

Mumun Period Ceramics: Equivalent to the Bronze Age, with basic shapes and fired from clay, characteristic brown color of fired clay.

Shilla and Late Shilla Ceramics: Characterized by designs with standing feet.

Goryeo Ceramics: The works of this period are considered the finest ceramics in the history of Korean ceramics.

Baekja White Ceramics: Originating from the Joseon period, with the dominant color being white or ivory. Baekja ceramics have soft, delicate shapes, and the thin white glaze is likened to the purity of the moon.

The connection between the ceramics of East Asian countries:

In the culture and art of the four East Asian countries, ceramics play a crucial role. Not only a form of decorative art, but ceramics are also an integral part of daily life in this region. The close connection and mutual influence between the ceramic cultures of Japan, Korea, China, and Vietnam have created a unique landscape.

The exquisite craftsmanship, meticulousness in detail, and respect for traditional culture are common features of ceramics from these four countries. However, at the same time, each country also has its own characteristics, from decoration styles, colors to firing techniques, and product forms.

Conclusion:

We hope that through this article, you will gain a deeper understanding of the connection and influence of ceramics in the culture and art of East Asian countries, as well as the uniqueness and diversity of ceramic art in each place.

If you're looking for quality Vietnamese ceramics, CHUS is a worthwhile place to visit.