Bát Tràng's Ancient Pottery Showcased at the Vietnam National Museum of History
An exceptional assortment of Bát Tràng pottery artifacts, dating back from the 14th to the 20th century, is currently on display at the esteemed Vietnam National Museum of History.
The exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of Bát Tràng pottery through 39 meticulously preserved artifacts, each bearing profound artistic significance and representing distinct glazes and styles from various periods of pottery development in Vietnam.
The showcased artifacts are organized into four sections, providing a comprehensive overview of Bát Tràng Pottery Village's historical formation, pottery artifacts from the 14th century, pottery artifacts from the 15th to 18th centuries, and pottery from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Nguyễn Văn Đoàn, the Director of the museum, expressed, "Bát Tràng pottery, renowned for its extensive history and unique cultural legacy, has been a subject of dedicated research and collection by our museum across many eras."
"Through this exhibition, our aim is to introduce the public to a remarkable collection of pottery that holds immense historical, cultural, and artistic value. We hope that this endeavor will enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of our traditional cultural heritage, as well as foster awareness regarding the preservation and promotion of our national cultural and historical values," he added.
According to Đoàn, Bát Tràng Pottery Village has produced countless exquisite pottery items over the centuries, characterized by their distinctive colors and styles. These pieces have served various purposes, from household items and offerings to the imperial court, to diplomatic gifts.
The pottery items showcased in the exhibition are carefully chosen to represent different phases of Bát Tràng's development. The 14th century, marked by its open trade policies, witnessed a flourishing period for Bát Tràng pottery. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the village emerged as a specialized production center for high-quality artistic and technically refined products, catering to both domestic and international markets. Even at the close of the 17th century and the dawn of the 18th century, Bát Tràng pottery maintained a prominent presence in the domestic market, encompassing household items, decorative pieces, worship artifacts, and bricks.
The exhibition will be open to the public at the museum until September 2023.