Bat Trang’s Pottery: Crafting Timeless Artistry
Bat Trang’s Pottery is a treasure trove of Vietnamese craftsmanship that has been cherished for centuries. Located on the banks of the Red River, the village’s artisans have been creating exquisite pottery using traditional techniques and unique designs that have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, Bat Trang’s pottery continues to captivate art lovers and collectors around the world, with its intricate details and patterns reflecting the skill and dedication of the village’s artisans. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the history and artistry of Bat Trang’s pottery and explore what makes it so special.
Learn about Bat Trang’s Pottery
Despite the ups and downs of time and the bustling modern life, the traditional Bat Trang pottery village has maintained its inherent beauty and essence, without mixing in any impurities from external sources, no matter how fierce the competition may be. Choosing Bat Trang pottery is not only choosing the quintessential beauty of the nation, not only seeking the highest quality ceramic products, but also a typical hobby for art lovers.
The distinctive features that stand out in Bat Trang pottery
Bat Trang ceramic products are made by hand, showcasing the creative talent of skilled artisans who have inherited their techniques through many generations.
Using locally-sourced glazes and shaping the ceramics by hand on the potter’s wheel, the unique features of Bat Trang ceramics are created through the nature of the raw materials used and the shaping process.
- The ceramic body is shaped by hand and on the potter’s wheel, entirely based on the experience and perception of each individual ceramic artisan, and the final product always has a full, thick, and quite heavy texture.
- Glazes are natural and safe, and often have an ivory and slightly cloudy color.
- Bat Trang has some unique types of glazes, such as jade glaze (brown and white) and crazed glaze, which are very distinctive and attract artistic appreciation.
Commonly used glazes in Bat Trang ceramics
Brown glaze:
The first type of glaze used on Bat Trang ceramics varies in color intensity based on the ceramic body. They have a matte finish and rough surface, making them suitable for decorating various items such as lamp stands, incense burners, pots, bowls, and plates. People often combine brown glaze with other glaze colors to create various hues.
White enamel:
This type of white enamel can have an ivory-yellow color and a glossy finish when fired at high temperatures. Alternatively, it can also have a grayish-white, milky-white, or opaque paint. Along with its unique designs and decorations, white enamel creates a distinct characteristic of Bat Trang pottery. White enamel is primarily used to decorate many Bat Trang pottery pieces, although it has also been used to decorate brown and blue enamel.
Blue enamel:
Bat Trang village used this type of enamel earliest. Potters in Bat Trang use ceramic enamel and cobalt oxide to make blue enamel, which they paint patterns on pottery. The shades of blue enamel range from light to dark blue. After firing, the blue enamel is always covered with a layer of high-gloss white enamel.
Crackle glaze:
The difference in shrinkage between the clay body and the glaze creates this unique type of glaze. It creates a distinctive look for Bat Trang ceramic products and is also easy to use at a reasonable cost, making it very popular. The product often has an antique brown color when completed, which is why it is also referred to as “antique crackle glaze.”
Jade glaze:
The jade glaze decorates not only ceramic products but also pagodas, including clouds, corners, pedestals, and vertical columns. It’s also used to decorate raised areas like the nghê symbol on roofs or pedestals of statues.
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The long history of Bat Trang’s pottery
Bat Trang pottery has a long and rich history. One can trace the village’s pottery-making tradition back to the 14th century, during the reign of the Ly Dynasty.
According to legend, a group of skilled potters migrated from Thanh Hoa to Bat Trang. They shared their pottery-making techniques with the locals of Bat Trang. This exchange of knowledge and expertise has helped Bat Trang become a center of excellence in pottery production in Vietnam.
Over the centuries, Bat Trang pottery has gained a reputation for its high quality and unique designs. People highly sought the pottery products of the village during the 16th and 17th centuries. The products were in demand not only in Vietnam but also in other countries in the region. People exported Bat Trang pottery to Japan, China, and other neighboring countries during this time.
Despite experiencing many ups and downs throughout its history, Bat Trang pottery has managed to survive and thrive. Today, people recognize it as one of Vietnam’s most famous traditional handicrafts, and it continues to hold high value both domestically and internationally.
Experiencing Bat Trang’s pottery village
Location of Bat Trang pottery village
Bat Trang pottery village is located in Bat Trang commune, including Giang Cao and Bat Trang hamlets, in Gia Lam district, Hanoi city. Located about 15km southeast of Hanoi city center, belonging to the downstream area of the Red River. This traditional craft village is located on the outskirts of Hanoi.
The traditional handmade pottery products of this village are famous. Skilled artisans have passed down a unique technique for making these products through many generations.
Ways to get to Bat Trang pottery village
There are several ways to get to Bat Trang pottery village:
- By car or motorbike:
From the Hanoi city center, you can follow Giai Phong Street to the southeast. Continue onto Nguyen Duy Trinh Street, and then turn right onto Bat Trang Road. The total distance is about 15km.
- By bus:
You can take bus number 47 or 37 from Long Bien Bus Station to Bat Trang Bus Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the pottery village.
- By taxi or ride-hailing service:
You can book a taxi or ride-hailing service (such as Grab or GoViet) to take you directly to Bat Trang.
- By bicycle:
For those who enjoy cycling, you can rent a bicycle in Hanoi city center and ride to Bat Trang pottery village. It’s a scenic route along the Red River, and the total distance is about 15km.
Places to visit in Bat Trang pottery village
Bat Trang pottery village has many interesting places to visit, including:
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Bat Trang Ceramic Museum:
This museum showcases the history of Bat Trang pottery and displays many ancient and modern ceramic pieces.
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Traditional Bat Trang kilns:
In Bat Trang pottery village, there is a pottery-making area reserved for visitors who want to experience the activity here. The fee for participating in the pottery-making activity is about 20,000 VND per turn. You will have to pay an additional 50,000-60,000 VND per item if you want to fire your product to have a finished piece as a souvenir.
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Bat Trang Communal House:
The village dedicated this ancient communal house to the worship of the village deity, and it now serves as a cultural and historical relic.
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Bat Trang Pagoda:
This pagoda dates back to the 15th century and is one of the most important spiritual sites in the village. It features beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
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Bat Trang market:
This bustling market is a great place to shop for ceramics and other souvenirs. Visitors can find a wide variety of pottery items, from simple bowls and cups to elaborate vases and figurines.
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Local workshops and stores:
Skilled artisans who make pottery by hand operate local workshops and stores in Bat Trang village, where visitors can purchase high-quality ceramics directly.
The timeless artistry achievable through dedication, skill, and deep respect for tradition is evident in Bat Trang’s pottery. With centuries of history and a commitment to excellence, the craftsmen of Bat Trang continue to create stunning pieces that not only serve as functional objects but also as works of art that showcase the beauty and ingenuity of Vietnamese culture. Whether used for daily use or as decorative pieces, Bat Trang’s pottery is a shining example of the power of art to transcend time and connect people across cultures and generations.
