Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An: Essential for enthusiasts of culture and art

Nestled in Hoi An, Vietnam, Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An beckons with its timeless charm—a sanctuary where pottery wheels hum and the earthy aroma of clay fills the air. This storied village, steeped in centuries-old ceramic traditions, invites travelers to delve into Vietnam’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Here, the marriage of age-old techniques and artistic ingenuity promises an unforgettable journey into authentic craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Exploring Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An

Location, Hours of Operation, and Admission Fees

Addressed at Pham Phan Street, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Thanh Ha Pottery Village welcomes visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission fees are 35,000 VND for adults and 15,000 VND for children. Situated about 3 kilometers west of Hoi An Ancient Town, Thanh Ha is renowned for its longstanding pottery craft, which holds cultural significance not only for Hoi An but also for the wider region.

Accessing Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An is convenient via various modes of transport:

• Bicycle/motorbike: Enjoy a picturesque ride along the Thu Bon River by taking Hung Vuong Street west out of town, turning left onto Pham Phan Street after about 1 kilometer. Thanh Ha Terracotta Park and Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An are located approximately 15 meters ahead on the left.
• Taxi: A quick 10-minute taxi ride from the ancient town will also get you to Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An effortlessly.
• Boat: For a unique experience, consider a boat ride downstream from the ancient town, offering scenic views of Hoi An along the Thu Bon River. Boats depart regularly throughout the day, with the journey taking about 30 minutes.

Cultural Significance

The pottery craft of Thanh Ha, which flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries, has left a profound mark on the history of Hoi An. The bricks and tiles produced in Thanh Ha played a pivotal role in shaping the ancient architecture of the town. These pottery items are not only emblematic of Quang Nam’s heritage but also essential for everyday household use. Skilled artisans from Thanh Ha have even contributed to the architectural designs of royal buildings in Hue.

In addition to their pottery expertise, villagers in Thanh Ha have safeguarded a wealth of folk knowledge and specialized terminology specific to their craft. These cultural values are actively preserved and showcased through the village’s tourism initiatives, offering visitors a chance to admire and learn about this traditional art form. Recognizing its significance, Hoi An pottery was included in Vietnam’s national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2019.

The art of crafting Thanh Ha pottery

Thanh Ha pottery Village Hoi An is crafted from high-adhesive yellow clay found in riverine fields, 50-100 centimeters below the surface. Here’s a concise overview of its traditional production:

1. Clay Preparation: The yellow clay, known for its adhesiveness, is mixed with water and kneaded repeatedly—three times to be precise—ensuring it becomes clean and workable.
2. Shaping: Potters shape the kneaded clay into greenware using a spinning wheel.
3. Drying and Refining: The formed pieces are left to sun-dry until they are semi-hardened, then refined for symmetry before complete drying.
4. Glazing (for tiles): A glaze consisting of copper, lead, hematite, and kaolin is applied to the partially fired pottery, which is then fired again to create a glossy, protective finish.
5. Firing: The pottery is fired in traditional rectangular kilns with brick walls and clay roofs, consuming 5-7 cubic meters of wood per session. Potters assess the readiness of the batch by monitoring the color of the smoke and using a test pot; if the test pot is perfectly fired, the batch is considered ready.

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The varieties of products of Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Timeless pottery creations

Thanh Ha pottery Village Hoi An encompasses a wide array of over 40 products, each designed to meet various needs in daily life and cultural practices. These include jars, vases, pots, incense burners, and candle holders, with some items also serving as tools for other crafts like weaving or sugar-making.

The unique shapes of Thanh Ha pottery village embody local aesthetics. Jars typically feature flared mouths, slender necks, rounded shoulders, and tapered bases. Pots, pans, and other vessels share similar characteristics with flared mouths, rounded rims, short necks, bulging bodies, and rounded bases. Most pottery products have unglazed or rough surfaces, while some jars are embellished with raised sawtooth edges or wave patterns on the neck and shoulders.

Artisanal pottery creations

Art pottery from Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Vietnam exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship and artistic expression. These decorative pieces are often adorned with meaningful Chinese characters, intricate geometric patterns, or personalized business logos, reflecting both cultural heritage and modern influences. Some items are even finished with unique eggshell coatings, adding a distinctive texture and appearance.

The firing process for these art pottery pieces takes place in traditional kilns or specialized upright kilns, maintaining the authenticity of the craft. The village produces at least 33 types of art pottery products, each serving a unique purpose. These include religious statues, wall-mounted lamps, vases, flower pots, architectural models, boxes, ashtrays, and ceramic masks, among others. Each piece is a testament to the skill and creativity of Thanh Ha’s artisans, making the village’s pottery highly regarded and sought after.

Additional varieties of Thanh Ha pottery products

Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An also produces a variety of other ceramic and terracotta items, including:

• Con thổi figures: These simple yet expressive pottery pieces depict traditional themes such as the twelve Vietnamese zodiac animals.
• Yin-and-yang tiles: Crafted from yellow clay, these tiles are shaped, stacked, dried, and fired in kilns, primarily for architectural use.
• Brick tiles: Similar to yin-and-yang tiles but without the shaping stage, these tiles are used in construction.
• Statues of the kitchen gods: These hand-molded, sun-dried, and fired statues are often placed in kitchens to honor the kitchen gods.
• Ceramic coffins: Handcrafted for burial ceremonies, these coffins are molded, stacked, dried, and fired.

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Activities to enjoy at Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An

Embark on a journey through the village, delving into the art of pottery-making

With a rich history that spans nearly 500 years, Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Vietnam stands as a testament to timeless beauty and meticulous craftsmanship. Here, generations have meticulously preserved and passed down the art of pottery-making, ensuring that each piece reflects the village’s unique heritage. Visitors are invited not only to admire the visually striking ceramic products but also to immerse themselves in the village’s profound history. Discovering Thanh Ha pottery village Hoi An offers a journey into cultural richness and artistic legacy, where every piece tells a story of skill, tradition, and enduring craftsmanship.

Engage in the artistry of pottery-making firsthand

At Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the age-old tradition of crafting handmade pottery. Here, you have the unique opportunity to not only witness but also participate in the creative process alongside skilled local artisans. This hands-on experience not only deepens your appreciation for the craft but also allows you to create your own distinctive pieces. The culmination of this journey is marked by each visitor receiving a specially crafted ceramic figurine, serving as a cherished memento of their memorable and interactive visit to the village.

Purchase Thanh Ha pottery as timeless souvenirs

In addition to participating in the activities offered, visitors can also explore a variety of handicraft products available for purchase as souvenirs. Thanh Ha pottery boasts an extensive selection of items, ranging from intricately designed figurines to elegant vases and practical pots, all available in a range of sizes to cater to individual preferences and tastes.

Immerse yourself in the local cultural activities and traditions

In Thanh Ha, the art of pottery is celebrated through annual ceremonies, notably the spring ceremony held on the 10th day of the first lunar month and the autumn ceremony on the 10th day of the seventh lunar month at Nam Dieu Temple. Moreover, it is a tradition for artisans to ceremoniously open their kilns on even-numbered days in mid-January to herald the beginning of the new year. Visitors can also partake in the cultural richness of the village by enjoying traditional boi singing performances by local artists.

Explore the enchanting Thanh Ha Terracotta Park

Thanh Ha Terracotta Park stands out as one of Vietnam’s largest pottery parks, spanning an impressive area of 6,000 square meters. Functioning as both a museum and an expansive showcase, it highlights the diverse pottery creations of Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An. What sets this park apart is its creation of a miniature world, where visitors can marvel at hundreds of exquisitely crafted terracotta pieces, each reflecting the village’s rich artistic heritage.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An stands as a vibrant testament to Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage. Steeped in a history that spans centuries, this village offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the ancient art of pottery-making, participate in cultural festivities, and explore the marvels of terracotta craftsmanship. It represents a harmonious blend of tradition and creativity, inviting travelers to experience an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse and colorful cultural tapestry.