POTTERY MAKING VILLAGE IN BINH DINH

Van Son village in Binh Dinh is famous for many centuries as a pottery making village, one of the oldest in Binh Dinh Province.

15/11/2012 16:57

Some products from Van Son Village, An Nhon Township’s Nhon Hau Commune have been turning soil into art for a long time, and have become known throughout the country.

Its products are mainly earthenware, which can be seen in a number of places, including Bac Ninh, Hue, Danang, Quang Nam, Kien Giang and Rach Gia.

According to local craftsmen, it takes a lot of time and effort to create a product ready for sales in the market.

Cao Van Binh, 52, who is an experienced craftsman from Van Son, said “In order to make pottery that is up to standard, the potter first has to make sure that the materials are of alluvial soil or clay. They then have to be well-kneaded, dried, and pounded. After that impurities will be removed, making it into a soft and silky powder. Such a process requires a lot of time and know-how. Only after that are they ready for the kiln."

Craftsmen in Van Son are facing some difficulties in maintaining this tradition, due to the lack of availability of appropriate soil, high production costs and low selling prices.

At present, the village has nearly 100 households engaged in the craft, making a contribution to preserving and developing the traditional craft. Furthermore, the village has become a destination for visitors as a heritage value.

Visiting the village, tourists not only see artisans making beautiful pottery products and learn about the process of making pottery products in the traditional way but also make their own products with instructions from the village’s artisans.

Some typical photos in Binh Dinh pottery village: