Bát Tràng Pottery Village

I arrived in Hanoi early Thursday morning to meet with friends and spend the day reacquainting myself with the capital city. It feels good being back in Vietnam. My dear friend Nguyet planned a special afternoon visit to  Bát Tràng village. The word Bát means “bowl”; Tràng means “workshop” or “guild”. The village lies on the bank of the Red River about 14 km from Hanoi. Leaving the city center we crossed the Chương Dương bridge and traveled down a long stretch of rough pot-holed roads busy with cars, buses and motorbikes and bicycles. There are various theories as to how the village developed its craft. Along with so many other Vietnamese traditions, it was likely imported from China then given a local twist. At its height, the pieces were prized by the Imperial Court and shipped as far as the Middle East. Bát Tràng produces ceramic goods such as plates, cups, and vases, and decorative objects such as altars and statues. The traditional styles are gray-white porcelain with hand-painted Asian landscapes, village scenes, and abstract designs. Most of the painting is blue or black, though other colors are not difficult to find.

Around 80 percent of Bát Tràng’s population of nearly 7000 people are engaged  in ceramics production and trade. I was amazed at the scale of work and the small artisan shops that lined the alleyways. The friendly people of Bát Tràng took the time to show us around the village and encouraged us to practice the art of ceramic pottery on a small stool with a ball of white clay. It didn’t take long for me to realize that designing ceramics was something better left to others. I decided I’d rather sit on the steps and capture a few images of life in this part of Vietnam. It’s hard to describe the feelings the people of this country conjure up for me. I’ve long admired the proud work ethic and rich family values instilled in Vietnamese people. It makes my heart very happy when a child says hello to me or when an elderly woman grabs my hand to show me something. I’ve truly learned to love this country and it’s people.

 

 

 

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