The breath of fire and the soul of the artisan.

(CLO) The brilliant flames of the kiln illuminate faces etched with the wrinkles of time. There, skillful hands are creating unique works of art, bearing the distinct mark of earth and fire...

A special love for ceramics.

In the tranquil space of the pottery workshop, the skillful hands of artisan Nguyen Van Loi are shaping a Raku glazed vase. Every line, every crack on the surface of the product contains the soul of the artist. Beside him, Mrs. Pham Thi Minh Chau is meticulously painting an exquisite floral pattern. This artistic couple has dedicated their lives to preserving and developing the traditional pottery art of Bat Trang village.

The breath of fire and the soul of the craftsman (Figure 1) — Artisan Nguyen Van Loi.

The journey of Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Thi Minh Chau is like a love song between earth and fire. Together, they have overcome countless hardships, transforming formless lumps of clay into vibrant works of art, enriching the spiritual lives of many. Every line and color on their ceramic products embodies the dedication and love they have for the Bat Trang pottery village.

In 1986, new opportunities opened up for the Bat Trang pottery village. Two artisans seized the opportunity and together built a small pottery workshop.

They are like magicians, transforming shapeless lumps of clay into vibrant works of art. Their skillful hands caress each line, shaping vases and plates with graceful curves. Every time they touch the clay, they feel as if they are immersed in nature, sensing the warmth of Mother Earth.

The days spent diligently in the pottery workshop were the happiest days of their lives. Together they overcame countless difficulties and challenges, but their passion for pottery always fueled their creativity. There were nights they stayed up all night to complete a piece, and times when their creations crumbled in the kiln, causing them heartache, but then they would get up and start again.

The breath of fire and the soul of the craftsman (Figure 2) — These exquisite vases were created by the hands of two artisans.

"We find joy in every line, every color. Each completed piece is a child of ours. Sometimes, we work until we forget the time. The flickering light casts shadows of the two of us on the ceramic vases still wet with dew. Those are sacred moments, moments when we feel truly alive," shared artisan Pham Thi Minh Chau.

The unique beauty of imperfection

Raku glaze, a distinctly Japanese glaze, has arrived in Vietnam and found a new home in the pottery workshop of artisan Nguyen Van Loi. However, mastering this glaze in a country with a different climate and raw materials is no small challenge. Many nights, he pondered before the kiln, seeking to conquer the mysteries of Raku glaze. Finally, through perseverance and passion, he created works bearing his unique personal touch.

"For me, Raku glaze is not simply a type of glaze. It symbolizes perfection in imperfection. The cracks and the unintentional changes in color create a unique beauty in each product. It's a life lesson: nothing is perfect, but within that imperfection lies a unique beauty," the artisan expressed.

The breath of fire and the soul of the craftsman (Figure 3) — The color palette of Raku glaze is a world of surprises.

Unlike traditional pottery, Raku glaze is fired at a lower temperature, only around 850-1000 degrees Celsius. This difference is what gives this type of pottery its unique characteristics. After firing, the still-red pieces are quickly removed from the kiln and undergo a dramatic "fire bath." When in contact with water or coloring agents such as ash and sawdust, the surface of the pottery immediately displays delicate cracks and unexpected patches of color, creating a truly unique visual effect.

According to artisan Nguyen Van Loi, the tiny lines on the surface of each Raku vase tell stories about its journey. These are craquelure cracks, the marks of sudden temperature changes when the product is submerged in cold water. These cracks are not a sign of destruction but rather a unique part of its beauty, containing countless stories about time.

The breath of fire and the soul of the craftsman (Figure 4) — Through their works, the two artists want to share their love for clay, for life, and for traditional values.

The color palette of Raku glaze is also a world full of unexpected colors. From vibrant hues like red and orange to subdued tones like blue and black, each Raku vase possesses its own unique beauty. "The random combination of pigments and chemical reactions during the firing process creates unique color effects, making each product a one-of-a-kind work of art. It's like an abstract painting; each time you look at it, you discover something new," shared Mr. Nguyen Van Loi.

The clicking of the potter's wheel, the smell of damp clay, the glowing red flames of the kiln—from these elements, each vase and plate created possesses its own unique beauty, like a symphony of earth, fire, and time. Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau—two artisans—have not only created ceramic products but also a story of creativity, love for art, and the connection between the past and the present. Their success has propelled Bat Trang ceramics to the world stage, affirming the position of Vietnamese ceramics on the global art map.

Through their works, they want to share their love for clay, for life, and for traditional values. For them, pottery is not just a profession, but also a part of their lives, the pride of their entire family, and the culture of their country.

(CLO) The brilliant flames of the kiln illuminate faces etched with the wrinkles of time. There, skillful hands are creating unique works of art, bearing the distinct mark of earth and fire...

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