Lai Thieu ceramics be famous as the quintessence of soil

The former Lai Thieu (present-day Thuan An) is one of the cradles of Binh Duong porcelain and ceramics. Ceramics on this land made an important contribution to the socio-economic development of this area, formed generations of skilled craftsmen, including very talented artisans. With skillful hands and creativity, they made the soil bloom.

Thuan An ceramic products are introduced to visitors of a provincial exhibition.

Formed for hundreds of years

Favorable conditions in terms of geographical location, waterway transportation and available raw materials facilitated the early formation and development of ceramic craft in Lai Thieu. According to researcher Nguyen Van Thuy of Thu Dau Mot University, the ceramic profession in Lai Thieu was formed at the end of the 19th century. Ceramic products in the late 19th century were mainly household ceramics serving daily needs of family, such as: cups, plates, bowls, vases... In addition, there were all kinds of jars, teapots, ornamental pots... By the 30s of the twentieth century, Binh Duong had nearly 100 ceramic establishments attracting tens of thousands of workers. In which, Lai Thieu area had about 60 facilities, with about 10,000 employees.

In addition to serving the demand in the province, Lai Thieu ceramic products at that time were also brought by traders to western and central regions, and then to Cambodia. Ordinary and high-class household ceramics, fine art ceramics then continued to be sold in France.

The diligence, creativity in labor, plus the skillful hands of Lai Thieu craftsmen made products that were loved by many people. The early Lai Thieu ceramic products that remain intact today have become valuable collections. Currently, collections with the name "Lai Thieu Ceramics" are being displayed in museums, such as: Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, Vietnam History Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Women's Museum...

Along Binh Duong Boulevard, the section through Thuan An City today, it is easy to see many shops displaying ceramic products. Those are the products that are made from soil by potters and ceramic artists in Thuan An city. From the bare earth, artisans put in a lot of effort, research and creation, combined with modern machinery and techniques to create countless ceramic products with different designs and functions to serve demands of customers everywhere.

Rapid development

In the 1954-1975 period, the ceramic industry in Lai Thieu continued to thrive, due to additional sources of clay materials in neighboring areas. Moreover, during this period, ceramic kilns also began to apply advanced techniques and machinery into some production stages. The number of ceramic establishments increased remarkably, especially those producing high-class fine art ceramics. Therefore, Lai Thieu ceramic products in this period were of higher quality, and the design was also much more beautiful than the previous period. According to researcher Nguyen Van Thuy, during this period, Lai Thieu ceramic products had two main lines, which were household ceramics and fine art ceramics. Ceramics continued to develop, created jobs for thousands of laborers, forming a class of local artisans such as: Ly Ngoc Minh, Ly Ngoc Bach... This is the period when the ceramic industry reached its peak and contributed the most to the local economy.

Since Binh Duong province was re-established, ceramic industry in the province was replanned and invested, so there was a new development step. Conditioned facilities innovated and switched to modern production technologies, from firewood burning to electric and gas burning, so the products made are also of higher quality. Ceramic products of Thuan An city today gains a dominant market share of the country and have reached to the world.

Since 2000, the ceramic industry in Thuan An city has been re-planned to overcome environmental pollution and be more suitable with the new development trend. Ceramics production facilities are encouraged to change their traditional burning method to modern technologies and relocate to a planned area. Despite of new challenges, Thuan An ceramic industry has made a strong transformation, creating momentum for sustainable development in the future.

Some facilities and businesses afforded modern kilns, and their products have become famous not only locally but also all over the country and in the world. For example, Minh Long 1 ceramic products owned by artisan Ly Ngoc Minh constantly strengthen their name on the markets. Minh Long 1 ceramic products have not only trusted and favored by customers but also chosen as gifts to delegates in important diplomatic events of the province as well as the country.

Up to now, Lai Thieu - Thuan An ceramics has undergone nearly 200 years of formation and development. Although there are numerous ups and downs, the ceramic industry in this land continue to exist and has developed to new heights. Researcher Nguyen Van Thuy affirmed: "Lai Thieu - Thuan An ceramics really formed a unique feature of its own in the southern region over a period of nearly 2 centuries. With its accomplishments, Lai Thieu - Thuan An ceramics has consolidated its name by products containing high value, and have become popular brands in domestic and international markets. Therefore, ceramics of former Lai Thieu or Thuan An today is really a special cultural character of Binh Duong".

In early 2021, "Binh Duong Ceramics" was put into Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's list of national intangible cultural heritage. This is a good news to Binh Duong ceramics in general and Lai Thieu - Thuan An ceramics in particular. With more efforts from provincial and local authorities into the conservation, preservation and development, Lai Thieu - Thuan An ceramics will have more favorable conditions for further development, creating more economic values as well as contribute to preserving traditional industries and local culture.

Reported by Hong Thuan - Translated by Ngoc Huynh