Dai Hung pottery kiln in Hamlet 1, Tuong Binh Hiep Commune, Thu Dau Mot Town, Binh Duong Province is famous nationwide for producing different kinds of jars, jugs, vessels and wash-basins. This unique pottery kiln not only helps preserve the local traditional craft, but also contributes to developing the economy in the area.
According to Bui Van Giang, known as Tam Giang, the owner of Dai Hung pottery-kiln, the kiln was built by a Chinese man who settled in the hamlet in the 17th -18th centuries. It was then owned by many other Chinese people. In 1975, the kiln belonged to Tuong Binh Hiep Co-operative and in 1989 the Tuong Binh Hiep Commune’s People Committee assigned Tam Giang to manage the kiln.
The main products of the kiln are jars, jugs, vessels and wash-basins. For the jars alone, there are different kinds. The largest is capable of holding up to 200lit of water. Jugs are also used to hold water but they are smaller than jars. Most of these products are enameled with brownish colours and decorated with embossed dragons and phoenixes. For many years, artisans here have followed the traditional method of production. The process of making pottery products are made by hands with the materials gathered locally. The pottery products are burned by wood.
For hundreds of years, the pottery-making craft has been preserved with traditional methods.
Dai Hung pottery products are mannually produced. 
Ho Van Lon, 69 years old, is a famous craftsman of Dai Hung pottery.
The different parts of jars before being grafted together.
Tam Giang, the owner of Dai Hung pottery-kiln, checks jars before firing. 
Jars are arranged in long rows in the kiln. 
Tourists visit Dai Hung pottery- kiln. 
Jars and jugs of Dai Hung Pottery have typical brown enamel.
A craftsman from Dai Hung Pottery Kiln performs the traditional technique on making pottery at the Vietnam - Binh Duong Pottery Festival 2010.
Dai Hung pottery products at the Vietnam - Binh Duong Pottery Festival 2010. |
Tam Giang said that in recent years, jars of different kinds produced in his kiln are much sought after by people from Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces in the Cuu Long River Delta. The products, particularly large jars, are also exported to Cambodia.
Ho Van Lon, 69 years old, who has been making pots for 50 years, said: “All seven members of my family make pottery and I think the craft will repay our effort.”
At present, the pottery craft provides stable jobs for many local labourers, helping improve their living standards.
Story: Nguyen Vu Thanh Dat - Photos: Le Minh