The unique journey of Vietnamese pottery: From Thang Long to Phu Xuan

Opening of the thematic ceramics exhibition "From Thang Long to Phu Xuan - The Journey of Vietnamese Ceramics". Photo: Hoang Lan

On the morning of December 18th, the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám, in collaboration with the Hue City History Museum, presented a thematic exhibition titled "From Thang Long to Phu Xuan - The Journey of Vietnamese Ceramics" at the Thai Hoc area, within the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám National Special Monument.

This event is a meaningful activity in the series of celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Hanoi and Hue (1960–2025). The thematic exhibition “From Thang Long to Phu Xuan – The Journey of Vietnamese Ceramics” is a journey of discovery , introducing to the public the unique historical and cultural values of the two regions of Thang Long (Hanoi) and Phu Xuan (Hue) in the historical process and the formation of the pottery craft in these two former capital cities.

Visitors listen to presentations about the ceramic products on display. Photo: Hoang Lan.

This exhibition celebrates the harmonious blend of court and folk culture, particularly the Bat Trang pottery art of the Thang Long people and the Phuoc Tich pottery of the Phu Xuan people. Through this, it highlights the traditional characteristics and innovations in each stage of production of these two once-famous pottery lines that still exist today.

Dr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám, said that this thematic exhibition is not only an opportunity for the public and domestic and international tourists to learn about the ceramic works of the two famous craft villages and gain a deeper understanding of the long-standing cultural values of the Vietnamese people, but also an occasion to affirm the spirit of solidarity, love for the homeland, especially the close relationship between Hanoi and Hue in the history of the country - two hearts beating together with love for the Fatherland. Through this, it continues to promote the fine traditional cultural values of the Vietnamese nation, contributing to the country's entry into a new era of development - an era of national progress.

Some ceramic products from Bat Trang and Phu Xuan are on display. Photo: Hoang Lan.

The exhibition also provides an opportunity for the public to deeply appreciate the continuous flow of Vietnamese culture, where the essence is forged from two major cultural centers, crystallized in each ceramic shape, glaze, and the skillful imprint of the artisans. Through this, the event contributes to spreading the spirit of regional unity, affirming the enduring value of tradition, and continuing the profound meaning of the spirit of "one nation - one origin".

Through the exhibition "From Thang Long to Phu Xuan – The Journey of Vietnamese Ceramics," we hope to honor the value of traditional craft villages, while highlighting the shared cultural connection and contributing to spreading the spirit of brotherhood between Hanoi and Hue throughout historical periods. This is also an opportunity for the public to better understand the role and value of handicraft industry heritage in contemporary life, thereby raising awareness of preserving and promoting the cultural values of the nation," said Dr. Le Xuan Kieu.

The exhibition space is designed as a cultural journey, where two traditional pottery styles meet and engage in dialogue: Bat Trang pottery from Thang Long – Hanoi and Phuoc Tich pottery from Phu Xuan – Hue. Each style tells a story about the land and its people, intertwined with the passage of time.

Tourists are delighted with the set of 12 zodiac animal ceramics. Photo: Hoang Lan.

In the Bat Trang Pottery space – a thousand-year-old heritage of Thang Long – Hanoi, the exhibition provides a brief history of the formation and development of Bat Trang pottery village through various dynasties, highlighting the distinctive formulas, shaping techniques, and heat application methods in firing techniques… that have created the brand of Bat Trang pottery.

The Phuoc Tich Pottery Space – The Quintessence from the Land of Phu Xuan – Hue Residents displays Phuoc Tich pottery along the historical flow of the Thuan Hoa – Phu Xuan region; introducing the architectural heritage system of the ancient Phuoc Tich village, the traditional handcrafted pottery making process, and the historical, cultural, and economic values that this pottery style once brought to the former capital city.

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