From the land to the essence

(CTT-Dong Nai) - Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, there are values that seem to have been forgotten, but still burn quietly in the hearts of those who keep the craft. Episode 5 of the reality TV show 'A Day's Journey...' will take the audience to Tan Van pottery village, the cradle of the famous Bien Hoa pottery, where earth and fire have crystallized into works of art for nearly two centuries.

The audience will witness MC Dieu Hien and Minh Tuyet rolling up their sleeves to knead the clay, turn the turntable, experience each stage and understand that to create a ceramic product, the craftsman has put into it ingenuity, patience and enduring love. In particular, the program will lead the audience to GOM Studio (starting from Phong Son Pottery kiln, one of the first kilns in the traditional Tan Van pottery village) of Mr. Hua My Chieu, Vice President of the Dong Nai Province Fine Arts Pottery Association and his wife, Ms. Mai Ngoc Nhi, a modeler, product shaper, who won the title of Excellent Worker in 2023. Mr. My Chieu and Ms. Ngoc Nhi are the 5th generation of a family with nearly 200 years of preserving the traditional pottery profession.

The program is not just a trip but a journey to listen to the land tell stories, watch the flame of the profession burn brightly and feel the vitality of a heritage that is growing in the new era. The audience will witness the skillful hands of talented artisans, who are continuing the tradition of their ancestors, and at the same time, those who dare to innovate to adapt to the times.

The artisans of Studio Pottery (Phong Son pottery kiln) meticulously shape, glaze, and breathe life into each handmade product. Photo: Thanh Thuy

“Going on a journey…”, each episode is a land, a story, a new perspective to love Vietnamese values more. And Tan Van pottery is not only a profession, a product, but also a culture, a memory and a future. The ancient Tan Van pottery village, which once shone brightly with hundreds of kilns burning day and night, does not stop at memories, but still tells stories through the shape of each product, with the never-ending flame of the profession. Traditional pottery has the opportunity to transform from a riverside craft village into a unique cultural industry, linking local identity with the development of the times.

Creating embossed flower carvings, the artistic highlight of Tan Van - Bien Hoa handmade pottery. Photo: Provided by the character

According to Ms. Mai Ngoc Nhi, "The color of Tan Van - Bien Hoa handmade ceramic glaze is a subtle highlight that creates an attractive difference." Photo: Provided by the character

Ms. Mai Ngoc Nhi (Manager of GOM Studio - Phong Son pottery kiln) guides 2 MCs Dieu Hien and Minh Tuyet to experience making ceramic cups using the coil wire method. Photo: Thanh Thuy

Phong Son pottery kiln space, where artisans have been diligently creating handmade ceramic products for nearly two centuries. Photo: Thanh Thuy

Ms. Mai Ngoc Nhi introduces the nearly 200-year-old ancient kiln of Phong Son pottery kiln. Photo: Thanh Thuy

“A journey of a day…” with the theme “Tan Van Pottery - From the soil to the essence” broadcast at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025 on the DNNRTV1 channel of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio and Television will bring beautiful images and inspiring stories. In addition, viewers can also watch online via the DNTV Go application to experience an exciting journey through each ceramic product, where art and passion blend into unique works.

Source: https://dongnai.gov.vn/vi/news/van-hoa-dong-nai/tu-dat-den-tinh-hoa-55027.html