Thai Viet Hoan & Dinh Huu Cuong
Join photographer Thai Viet Hoan in exploring the ancient pottery village of Bien Hoa.
Along the gentle Dong Nai River, the Bien Hoa pottery village holds layers of cultural heritage. Here, earth and fire have long intertwined, shaping both livelihoods and artistic value for more than three centuries.
Since the 17th century, Vietnamese and Chinese migrants journeyed downriver to explore and settle the southern frontier, bringing the pottery craft with them. What began as simple household wares gradually evolved. Over time, in the artisans’ hands, clay took on refined forms, at once rustic and highly aesthetic.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the pottery village entered its golden age. The convergence of traditional techniques and novel artistic perspectives gave birth to high-value products that transcended national borders. Despite the highs and lows of history, the kilns remain ablaze – a testament to the artisans’ dedication to preserving their ancestral craft amidst an ever-changing world.
The pottery-making process is a journey that demands meticulous care and refined sensibilities. From selecting and processing the clay, kneading and shaping the products, to carving intricate patterns, applying the glaze, and finally firing the items in a kiln, each stage breathes life into the finished piece. With its mesmerizing, shifting hues – at times deeply profound, at others vibrantly bright- the glaze serves as an unmistakable signature of Bien Hoa ceramics.
Today, this pottery has transcended mere utilitarian purposes, serving as home decor and fine art pieces for both domestic and international markets. Numerous workshops have seamlessly integrated modern technology with traditional techniques, paving new operational avenues while faithfully retaining the quintessential characteristics of this craft.
Visiting this pottery village, travelers can do more than observe and engage in hands-on experiences. From molding the clay and painting patterns to watching items being fired in blazing kilns, visitors can enjoy an unhurried journey. Here, tourists can truly appreciate the beauty of manual labor and listen to the earth’s story in a profoundly unique way.
Join photographer Thai Viet Hoan and visit various workshops to explore the different stages of pottery-making and feel the rhythmic pulse of life in this riverside craft village.
