My Thien Pottery - a heritage of over 200 years on the Tra Bong River

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My Thien pottery with its unique features is preserved - Photo: TRAN MAI

On July 7, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized My Thien traditional pottery as a national intangible cultural heritage. This is a worthy recognition for a craft village that has been around for more than two centuries.

The essence of a ceramic line

My Thien pottery village in Binh Son commune, Quang Ngai, was formed in the late 18th century, by Thanh Hoa potters who migrated here and brought their craft with them.

According to the village elders, the two founders of the craft, Pham Cong Dac and Nguyen Cong At, chose the land along the Tra Bong River - a place with soft, firm clay, very suitable for making pottery - to settle down and set up a kiln.

From a small craft village, My Thien pottery quickly developed. Products not only served the daily needs of the region but were also brought by traders throughout the Central region, the Central Highlands, and across the border to Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand.

During its heyday, My Thien pottery village had more than 50 kilns burning day and night. My Thien pottery was once ordered by the Nguyen Dynasty to make offerings and items for use in the palace.

In the 19th century, the pottery industry here also contributed to the prosperity of the ancient Chau O land.

With the products left by collectors, what makes My Thien pottery different is the traditional manual process that has been kept almost intact for the past 200 years.

The main ingredient is local clay, dried, screened and thoroughly kneaded.

Then the craftsman creates the shape using a manual turntable. The product is decorated with a unique embossing technique, depicting dragons, phoenixes, bamboo, mice, or zodiac animals. This is also a rare artistic mark in the folk ceramic lines of the Central region.

Another unique feature is the double firing technique using firewood. The first firing creates the "ceramic bone", the second firing after glazing creates the characteristic color layer (usually earthy yellow, reddish brown, turquoise).

The handmade creations from the talented hands of the craftsmen have created a line of pottery that is both durable and has a rustic beauty, close to life.

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Artisan Dang Van Trinh is the last descendant who still keeps the fire of My Thien pottery village alive - Photo: TRAN MAI

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Artisan Trinh and his wife are still working hard on ceramic creations with their talented hands - Photo: TRAN MAI

The last artisan diligently keeps the fire of the profession alive

Today, the once bustling pottery village has gradually faded away. Only the family of artisan Dang Van Trinh and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thi Thu Cuc, continue to make a living from their craft. For over 30 years, they have been the ones breathing life into the soil, preserving each pattern left by their ancestors.

"I'm afraid that one day the fire will go out and people will forget that My Thien once had a glorious time with pottery. My wife and I do this not only for a living, but also because of our love for the profession, because we can't bear to let down the efforts our ancestors left behind," Mr. Trinh confided.

In addition to production, they also open their doors to visitors, display pottery, and share crafting techniques with local youth. With their passion, artisan Trinh hopes that the next generation of the village will continue to preserve the craft.

The last artisan said that My Thien pottery being recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage is not only a recognition, but also opens up new opportunities to revive the craft village.

My Thien Pottery - a 200-year heritage along the Tra Bong River - Photo 5.