Bat Trang is a reputable ceramic brand in Vietnam (Source: Collected)
1. Overview of Bat Trang ceramics
Historical records like the “Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu” and “Du Dia Chi” by Nguyen Trai indicates that Bat Trang Pottery Village was established during the Ly Dynasty, around the time King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La (now Hanoi). At that time, five prominent pottery families—Tran, Vuong, Nguyen, Le, and Pham—migrated from Bo Bat Village in Yen Mo District (now Ninh Binh Province) to Thang Long. They settled in Bach Tho Ward, Gia Lam District (now Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi), where they found high-quality white clay suitable for pottery. Collaborating with the local Nguyen family, they established the renowned Bat Trang Ceramic Village in Hanoi.
Bat Trang ceramics experienced significant growth and development, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries. This growth was bolstered by the Mac Dynasty’s supportive policies, which encouraged local crafts and trade. The expansion of domestic markets allowed Bat Trang ceramics to become widely circulated and recognized for their quality and craftsmanship.
Bat Trang ceramics in Vietnam are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs (Source: Collected)
By the 16th and 17th centuries, Bat Trang ceramics became highly sought after both in Vietnam and internationally, with the village becoming a hub for innovative ceramic production. However, the 18th and 19th centuries saw a decline in international exports due to the Nguyen Dynasty’s restrictive trade policies. Despite this, Bat Trang has preserved its traditional beauty and remains one of Vietnam’s oldest and most famous pottery villages.
2. The outstanding features of Bat Trang ceramics
2.1. Shapes
While many places have adopted modern technology in ceramics production, Bat Trang pottery is still crafted manually. The artisans’ creativity and skill on the potter’s wheel produce unique and original pieces.
Due to the handmade process, Bat Trang ceramics have thick, sturdy bodies and a slightly heavy feel. The glaze is usually ivory and opaque, with some unique glazes like moss green, white, brown, crackled blue, and grayish-brown, exclusive to Bat Trang – Vietnam.
Displaying Bat Trang ceramics in your home adds a touch of elegance and history (Source: Collected)
Depending on their use, Bat Trang – Vietnam ceramics can be categorized into:
- Household items: Including plates, flower pots, bowls, jars, pots, cups, trays, teapots, pipes, wine vessels, lime pots, vases, and containers.
- Religious items: Including candle holders, incense burners, altar bowls, and ceramic trays.
- Decorative items: Including miniature houses, statues of mythical creatures, and various figurines.
2.2. Patterns
Bat Trang ceramics in Vietnam have evolved through centuries, each era leaving distinct decorative patterns.
- 14th-15th centuries: Carved and brown-glazed patterns from the Ly-Tran dynasty, with emerging blue floral ceramics.
- 16th century: Focused on large religious items with intricate blue-glazed reliefs of dragons, phoenixes, and clouds.
- 17th century: Flourished with new themes like the Four Sacred Creatures, tiger patterns, and crane motifs, featuring crackled and multi-colored glazes.
- 18th century: Dominated by relief decorations with themes such as trees and yin-yang symbols.
- 19th century: Resurgence of blue floral ceramics with diverse glazes and themes, including Chinese legends.
- 20th century to present: Introduction of new decorative styles like decals and logos, alongside traditional hand-painted and relief techniques.
The rich, intricate patterns on Bat Trang ceramics reflect centuries of cultural heritage (Source: Collected)
2.3. Colors
Bat Trang – Vietnam ceramics are distinguished by their unique glazes:
- Brown glaze: The earliest glaze, varying in shade and often matte with a textured finish.
- Ivory white glaze: Ranges from glossy ivory to milky white, used with blue or brown glazes for unique designs.
- Crackled glaze: Resulting from differences in contraction between the glaze and ceramic body, unique to Bat Trang – Vietnam from the late 16th to early 20th centuries.
- Moss green glaze: Prominent from the 14th to 19th centuries, used with ivory and brown glazes in the Tam Thai style of the 16th-17th centuries.
The unique glazes used in Bat Trang ceramics give each piece a distinct and timeless look (Source: Collected)
3. Explore the steps of making Bat Trang ceramics
The production process of Bat Trang ceramics involves several meticulous steps:
1. Soil preparation: Artisans prepare a mix of 3-4 different types of clay and stones like quartz and feldspar, which are mixed for 12-24 hours and left to mature for 2-4 weeks.
2. Shaping: The matured clay is poured into plaster molds and left to form. Excess clay is removed, and artisans trim and shape the products using simple tools, a process known as “turning.” After turning, parts are assembled into a complete product.
3. Firing: The shaped ceramics are fired in gas kilns for 8-12 hours at temperatures ranging from 1180°C to 1280°C.
The artisans who create Bat Trang ceramics employ traditional techniques passed down through generations (Source: Collected)
Coming to Bat Trang Pottery Village, don’t forget to visit Bat Trang Pottery Museum
4. Where to buy Bat Trang ceramics in Hanoi?
The best place to purchase authentic Bat Trang ceramics Hanoi is directly from the pottery markets in Bat Trang Pottery Village (Gia Lam District, Hanoi). Alternatively, you can buy online through the Bat Trang Ceramics website: https://battrangceramics.com/.
5. Tips for buying authentic Bat Trang ceramics
When buying authentic Bat Trang ceramics in Hanoi, recognizing quality is crucial. Here are some tips to ensure you purchase the best pieces:
- Tap the ceramic; a metallic sound indicates high quality, while a dull sound suggests lower quality. A clear, ringing sound from the edge of a bowl or plate is a good sign. Additionally, place the item on a flat surface to check if it is round and balanced.
- Look for a smooth, glossy finish without black spots or cracks. High-quality ceramics have a protective layer over patterns and are dishwasher and microwave safe.
- Opt for simpler, ideally white designs. Colorful patterns may indicate high lead content, which is unsafe.
- Higher-quality ceramics, which are well-fired and free of impurities, are worth the investment for long-term use. Avoid cheap ceramics that may pose health risks.
Collectors from around the world cherish Bat Trang ceramics for their historical significance and artistic value (Source: Collected)
Besides Bat Trang ceramics, consider Hanoi souvenirs to bring back as gifts for your loved ones
Bat Trang ceramics embody centuries of craftsmanship and tradition. Their unique shapes, patterns, and glazes make them cherished by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. By following our guide, you can confidently purchase authentic Bat Trang ceramics and appreciate their timeless beauty and cultural significance.
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