For a long time, on the northern bank of the Co Chien River in Vinh Long Province there has existed a pottery-making area that is dubbed the “Kingdom of Red Ceramics”.
From My Thuan Bridge where the Co Chien River separates from the Tien River to the Mang Thit River, tourists will see over 1,000 pottery kilns built close together that look like an ancient city.
For over one century, the local people in Vinh Long have known how to use the clay on the bank of the Co Chien River to make household ceramics. They then developed the craft and founded the largest area specializing in making bricks and tiles in the Cuu Long River delta. In the 1980s, the villagers started making household and artistic ceramic products.
For over one century, the local people in Vinh Long have known how to use the clay on the bank of the Co Chien River to make household ceramics. They then developed the craft and founded the largest area specializing in making bricks and tiles in the Cuu Long River delta. In the 1980s, the villagers started making household and artistic ceramic products.
 “Kingdom of Red Ceramics” on the northern bank of Co Chien River.  The clay that is used to make ceramics in Co Chien.  A ceramics workshop in Co Chien.  Ceramics kilns in Co Chien.  Inside a kiln.  Heating the kiln using rice husks. |
Một điều đặc biệt thú vị là chỉ duy nhất gốm Cổ Chiên mới có những sản phẩm gốm thô không men màu nhưng vẫn ánh lên sắc đỏ pha mốc trắng rất đặc trưng. Chính điều này đã tạo cho gốm Cổ Chiên một vẻ đẹp riêng rất ấn tượng mà không sản phẩm gốm nào có được. Có lẽ vì thế mà tên gọi “vương quốc gốm đỏ” đã được hình thành.
Do các lò gốm nằm cạnh bờ sông nên việc vận chuyển đất sét thường bằng ghe thuyền, một loại phương tiện rất phổ biến ở vùng sông nước Vĩnh Long. Tùy theo mặt hàng mà người ta pha đất theo kĩ thuật riêng. Công đoạn pha đất rất quan trọng bởi nó quyết định đến sự thành công của mẻ gốm. Đất pha xong phải nhào nặn nhiều lần cho thật mịn tới mức chạm tay vào không dính thì mới đạt.
 Co Chien ceramics have a distinctive red colour.  Co Chien artistic ceramic products.  A statue of Mitreya Buddha made of Co Chien ceramics.  An artistic ceramic product. |
Co Chien pottery is renowned for not only its elegant shapes but also its distinctive color. Although the products are not enameled or coloured, they have the colour of red and white that makes them different from others.
To make beautiful products, it requires many steps. For each type of product, the artisans have their own secret in mixing the clay. It is an important technique because it decides the success of pottery products. It is necessary to knead the clay carefully until it is not sticky when touching. Because the products in the area are made by moulds, the artisans must create moulds by plaster then cut every large piece of clay and put it into the moulds. Each part of the product is made by different moulds. Then they are grafted together to create a complete product. The products are polished and baked in kilns for seven days. During the first four days, the temperature must remain at 100 to 2000c. The temperature will increase over the following days and reach 9000c on the last day. After this step, a layer of clay covers the kiln until it is cold.
 A ceramic fence.  A pentagon-shaped house made of Co Chien ceramics. |
At present, besides making household products, such as vases, pots and jars, the villagers also make many refined artistic pottery items, such as statues, flowerpots, and other artworks that are much sought after by customers. These products are also exported to countries of the EU, the US, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan.
To meet the increasing demand of the market, many enterprises in Co Chien now pay much attention to investing in improving techniques and styles, expanding workshops and looking for new markets. Therefore, the craft not only brings a great benefit for local people but also provide jobs for thousands of people, making a contribution to developing the economy and society in the province.
 People in Co Chien have engaged in the craft of making ceramics for along time.  Red ceramic products taken out of the kiln. |
Coming to Co Chien, tourists not only see artisans making beautiful products but also have a chance to visit a unique house built totally from pottery that is the only architectural work of its kind in Vietnam.
Story: Nguyen Vu Thanh Dat - Photos: Huu Thanh
