Displaying 180 unique artifacts about "Love of land and pottery"

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) and National Day September 2, the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam in collaboration with artisan and collector Nguyen Duc Cong, founder of the Thien Duc Ceramic brand, organized the opening of the thematic exhibition "Love of the land and ceramics" on August 25.

This is a special cultural activity, contributing to honoring the value of Bat Trang ceramics - a typical craft village of the capital and the whole country.

The Organizing Committee introduced nearly 180 unique artifacts created, restored or collected by artisan and collector Nguyen Duc Cong. Among them are many restored ceramic products in the style of each historical period from Ly, Tran, Le, Nguyen.

The works demonstrate the ingenuity, sophistication and soul of Bat Trang craftsmen, giving the public a complete perspective on the Vietnamese ceramic tradition of more than half a millennium.

The program also organizes experiential activities such as sculpting, shaping, drawing patterns, glazing, etc. for visitors to directly participate and better understand the creative process as well as the patience and skill of ceramic artisans. This is an attractive highlight, contributing to fostering love and pride in the national cultural heritage for the younger generation.

Through exhibition and experience, the public will feel the quintessence of Bat Trang pottery, and at the same time feel more proud and responsible in preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritage.

Collection author, artisan and collector Nguyen Duc Cong takes souvenir photos with delegates and people of Bat Trang craft village. (Photo: Tuyet Mai/VNA)

Artisan and collector Nguyen Duc Cong shared that Thien Duc Ceramic Company has brought to the exhibition ceramic artifacts from the Dinh, Ly, Tran, Le dynasties along with many contemporary products. The collection is arranged in chronological order, helping viewers visualize the continuous and diverse development of Vietnamese ceramics through each historical period.

In the collection, each historical period has its own characteristics. Ceramics from the Ly and Tran dynasties stand out with their patterns of Ngau flowers and elephant hunting; ceramics from the Mac dynasty have blue glaze, four-scenery and antique patterns; ceramics from the Nguyen dynasty have a high level of sophistication, especially in hand-painted products, kiln-fired products, and gio glaze - creations that bear the unique mark of Bat Trang artisans.

The new feature is the exhibition space organized in the area behind Thai Hoc House - a place that was previously little noticed by tourists, which has enriched the tour itinerary, creating a closer connection between the values of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam relic and the traditional Bat Trang pottery craft.

According to Architect Le Thanh Vinh, former Director of the Institute for Monument Conservation (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), who played an important role in the construction of the Thai Hoc House, the new exhibition space contributes to bringing a different experience to visitors.

Most visitors only stop at the Front Hall and Back Hall, with little opportunity to access the areas behind the Thai Hoc House.

Adding this space not only enriches the tour itinerary but also affirms the role of the Temple of Literature as a “living museum” connecting heritage with the community.

Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam Le Xuan Kieu informed that this is the first time the Bat Trang ceramics topic has been displayed at the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam. Artisan Nguyen Duc Cong is a person who is passionate about the pottery profession, owning a rich collection that has never been published to the public or the media.

The exhibition “Love of Earth and Pottery” is not only an opportunity for visitors to admire unique art products, but also a bridge to bring Bat Trang craft village closer to domestic and foreign audiences.

Through this, the values of earth, fire and the potter's hands are honored, while affirming the enduring vitality of traditional crafts in the flow of integration.

10 years ago, artisan Nguyen Duc Cong donated and restored the entire Bat Trang ceramic worshiping set in the worshiping spaces of the founding and expanding Kings associated with the history of the Temple of Literature, Master Chu Van An and the Saints and Sages. The worshiping set was crafted in the ceramic style of each historical period, and still exists today, leaving many emotions in the hearts of visitors.

The exhibition "Love of Earth and Pottery" is open until November 15, 2025./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/trung-bay-180-hien-vat-dac-sac-ve-tinh-dat-va-gom-post1057777.vnp