23Aug

Contemporary Vietnamese ceramics develop with the pace of life

The exhibition of the quintessence of the Northern Delta ceramic craft called “Contemporary Vietnamese ceramics” is taking place at the Heritage Space (28 Tran Binh, Hanoi). With more than 1,000 ceramic products on display, it shows the quiet but determined creativity of artisans in the work of preserving, conserving and developing the traditional ceramic craft...

QĐND - The exhibition of the quintessence of the Northern Delta ceramic craft called “Contemporary Vietnamese ceramics” is taking place at the Heritage Space (28 Tran Binh, Hanoi). With more than 1,000 ceramic products on display, it shows the quiet but determined creativity of artisans in the work of preserving, conserving and developing the traditional ceramic craft.

Contributing to this exhibition are works by outstanding artisans and artists such as: Tran Quang Hai (Soc Son, Hanoi), Lan Huong, Nguyen Van Thang (Bat Trang, Hanoi), Vuong Quan (Tay Ho, Hanoi), Artu's Boutique ceramic art store (Hanoi) with the participation of ceramic brands: Dong Gia, Chi ceramics, Mai ceramics... The exhibition has introduced to the public the most innovative and sophisticated products; at the same time, the exhibition is also a colorful playground for artisans who are passionate about their profession.

The products here have also partly "depicted" the beauty and sophistication of contemporary Vietnamese ceramics. Through the skillful hands of artisans, the exhibition brings unique ceramic products, highly applicable, close to people and lifestyles today. Ancient ceramics were shaped from clay, mud and then fired; Today, ceramics are coated with many types of glaze, and are also embossed, painted with many patterns and motifs, even very vivid landscape paintings. Therefore, a beautiful ceramic work today, in addition to the firing technique and the secrets of each craft village, also bears the unique mark of each author. This has brought a completely new innovation to the ceramic profession.

Contemporary Vietnamese ceramics do not stop at everyday items but are gradually asserting their value with artistic creations bearing the mark of Vietnamese culture. For example, the unique strokes on heavily fired ceramic tiles create ceramic paintings by artist Lan Huong that truly attract all eyes. Having spent many years designing and creating models for ceramic tile lines in Huong Canh (Vinh Phuc), she was very sophisticated when choosing this material for the line of artistic ceramic paintings.

What is noteworthy is the appearance of a product line from Bat Trang ceramic village - a long-standing ceramic village with a team of famous artisans and skilled workers in the capital Hanoi. They have separated themselves from the trend of commercializing Bat Trang ceramics, bringing to the exhibition products formed from the precious heritage of their ancestors, through the hands of artisan Nguyen Tuan Vu.

Ms. Nguyen Giang Van, representative of the exhibition's Organizing Committee, shared: "The artists, with all their love for ceramics, their talent and creativity, have given ceramics a unique expression. Each set of products here is a world of its own aesthetics, a unique style that creates uniqueness and diversity for contemporary Vietnamese ceramics. The success of this exhibition will be the foundation for organizing the exhibition of Vietnamese ceramics as an annual activity, to support, promote and develop Vietnamese ceramics both domestically and internationally."

Article and photos: TRAN HA