Artisan duo bringing Bat Trang ceramics beyond tradition
In Bat Trang pottery village (Gia Lam, Hanoi), Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau are not only celebrated artisans but also a devoted couple committed to elevating Vietnamese ceramics on the international stage.
Hanoi (VNA) ও- In Bat Trang pottery village (Gia Lam, Hanoi), Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau are not only celebrated artisans but also a devoted couple committed to elevating Vietnamese ceramics on the international stage.
With exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision, Nguyen Van Loi gained recognition early for his mastery of Raku glaze—a technique rooted in Japanese tradition but adapted to reflect Vietnamese aesthetics. His ceramic works are more than decorative pieces; they embody the soul of an artisan, blending tradition with innovation.
Artisan Nguyen Van Loi (Photo: Vietnam+)
Beyond creating art, Loi is dedicated to mentoring young craftsmen, ensuring the preservation and evolution of Bat Trang’s pottery heritage.
His wife, artisan Pham Thi Minh Chau, complements his talent with her refined artistic touch. A graduate of Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts, she skillfully integrates modern and traditional elements into her designs. More than an artist, she is also the driving force behind their brand’s expansion, bringing their unique ceramics to a global audience.
Artisan Pham Thi Minh Chau (Photo: Vietnam+)
Together, they form a powerhouse duo—overcoming challenges while staying true to their passion. Their collaboration has resulted in distinctive ceramic pieces that carry their artistic signature.
In 2023, they were both honored as "Traditional Craft Artisans," a testament to their contributions to Bat Trang pottery.
Following the economic reforms of 1986, Bat Trang pottery gained new opportunities for growth. Seizing this moment, Loi and his family established their own ceramic workshop. While preserving traditional techniques, he continuously experimented to create unique, contemporary pieces.
Artisans Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau's products (Photo: Vietnam+)
Years of relentless effort led him to develop a Raku glaze formula that resists thermal shock while maintaining its signature beauty. "In the beginning, the pieces often cracked under high temperatures," he recalls. "But I never gave up, because every failure holds the seed of success."
Originally developed in 16th-century Japan, Raku ceramics are admired for their raw, unpredictable beauty. However, adapting this technique in Vietnam presented challenges due to differences in climate, materials, and firing methods. Through persistence and ingenuity, Loi refined the process, establishing a distinct Vietnamese identity for Raku ceramics.
Artisans Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau's products (Photo: Vietnam+)
Thanks to artisans like Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau, Bat Trang pottery continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Their work is not just about craftsmanship—it is a commitment to preserving a centuries-old tradition while pushing creative boundaries.
Their journey is a story of resilience, passion, and innovation, ensuring that Bat Trang ceramics remain a vital part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage in the modern era./.
A ceremony will be held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on February 14 by the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to receive the certificates for the traditional craft villages of Bat Trang ceramics in outlying Gia Lam district and Van Phuc silk weaving in Ha Dong district as members of the Global Network of Creative Craft Cities.
Upholding the centuries-old craft of making ceramics, artisan Nguyen Van Loi, his wife Pham Thi Chau, and other villagers are maintaining the soul of the Bat Trang pottery village and help their products reach global markets.
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