Preserving the essence from the heart of the Eastern land.

Inaugurated in 2010, the Dong Ceramics Exhibition House is considered the only thematic exhibition space in the country dedicated to ceramics.

The ceramics exhibition hall is located within the grounds of the Hai Phong Museum, Branch 2.

Located within the grounds of the Hai Phong Museum, Branch 2, the Dong Ceramics Exhibition House is a unique cultural destination, housing thousands of precious artifacts and telling the long story of Vietnamese ceramics' journey.

The Soul of Eastern Pottery

Inaugurated in 2010, the Dong region ceramics exhibition house is considered the only thematic exhibition house in the country dedicated to ceramics. Spanning over 700 square meters, it houses nearly 1,000 carefully selected artifacts from tens of thousands of ancient ceramic samples unearthed in the Dong region of Hai Duong (now Hai Phong).

Each artifact bears the imprint of life, art, and pottery techniques from the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties, contributing to a comprehensive picture of traditional Vietnamese pottery.

The Dong Ceramics Exhibition House is the only thematic exhibition house in the country dedicated to ceramics.

Within the exhibition space dedicated to three major themes: "Ancient ceramics of the Eastern region - Chu Dau ceramics and the maritime silk road of the 15th-16th centuries", "Hai Phong ceramics - the continuation of tradition", and "An overview of the appearance of Vietnamese ceramics", visitors can easily appreciate the brilliant development journey of the pottery craft from its early beginnings to the modern era.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hue, Deputy Director of the Hai Phong Museum, shared: “The Eastern region is a land of spiritual significance and outstanding people, a place where many precious cultural heritages converge. Ceramics here are not only handcrafted products, but also the crystallization of the intellect, skillful hands, and soul of the people. The Hai Phong Ceramic Exhibition House is a place to preserve and honor that essence, an indispensable part of the national cultural identity.”

These ancient pottery fragments date back thousands of years.

According to archaeological findings, 15 ancient pottery production sites dating from the Tran to the Nguyen dynasties have been discovered in the former Hai Duong area, distributed along the Thai Binh , Kinh Thuy, and Sat rivers. Among them, Chu Dau pottery is the brilliant pinnacle of Vietnamese ceramics in the 15th and 16th centuries, with exquisite blue and white products that once sailed across the seas to the Middle East and Europe.

Besides displaying artifacts, the exhibition hall also introduces valuable documents. These include images of Chu Dau artifacts currently preserved in museums in Japan, England, Australia, and Turkey, as well as excavation materials from ancient pottery villages in Thai Tan, Minh Tan, and Hung Thang... All of these contribute to recreating the essence of Chu Dau pottery within the flow of Vietnamese culture.

The space recreates the ceramic production process.

Ms. Pham Thanh Mai, a tourist from Hanoi, shared after her visit: “Chu Dau pottery is very famous. I had heard about the history of this pottery style in books and on the media, but seeing the ancient pottery pieces here with my own eyes made me understand it better. Each vase and plate is both rustic and sophisticated, showcasing the talent of the ancient artisans. The exhibition space is cozy, the lighting is soft, and the display is well-organized.”

Continuing from the legacy

While the antiques exhibition takes viewers back in time, the "Hai Phong Ceramics - Continuing the Tradition" space tells the story of the present. Here, 194 modern ceramic artifacts from traditional craft villages such as Cay, Quao, and Chu Dau are vividly displayed, reflecting the preservation and innovation efforts of today's artisans.

Besides showcasing ceramics from the Eastern region, this place also displays many ceramic products from other regions across the country.

The exquisitely crafted Chu Dau ceramics, the fine art porcelain of Hai Duong Porcelain Joint Stock Company, and the rustic earthenware teapots, pots, and steamers from Quao village are all exquisite. "We hope that visitors will not only admire the products but also feel the story behind each item – the creativity, perseverance, and pride in the pottery craft," added Ms. Nguyen Thi Hue.

This is a suitable place for young people to learn and experience culture.

The Hai Phong Museum's second branch also organizes hands-on pottery-making activities, allowing students and visitors to try their hand at sculpting pottery on a potter's wheel and gain a better understanding of the shaping, glazing, and firing processes. These activities contribute to inspiring the younger generation about traditional crafts.

For over a decade, the Eastern Ceramics Exhibition House has not only been an attractive cultural and tourist destination but also a learning space for students, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts. Here, each visit is a journey of discovery, an opportunity to appreciate the sophistication and artistry of Vietnamese ceramic artisans.

A special highlight at the exhibition is the collection of 538 Chu Dau ceramic artifacts unearthed in six excavations in Nam Sach, combined with over 5,500 artifacts salvaged from a shipwreck off Cu Lao Cham. These exquisitely hand-painted vases, cups, plates, wine jugs, and incense burners with ivory-white blue glaze are vivid evidence of the flourishing period of Vietnamese ceramics on the international market.

PHUONG LINH

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/luu-giu-net-tinh-hoa-tu-long-dat-xu-dong-527343.html