Bát Tràng is full of ceramic works in every alleyway
The Bát Tràng pottery village is estimated to be 500 years old; one of the most ancient and popular villages in Vietnam.
Located about 13km north of Hanoi, it is situated in an area rich in clay that is very suitable for making fine ceramics.
Bát Tràng
The word Bát means “bowl” while Tràng means “workshop” or “guild”
True to its name, 80% of the village population of 7000 is in the ceramics trade and there are staggering amounts of ceramics and pottery in just about everywhere you turn.
In every corner, artists were either quietly working on their pieces or selling them to tourist.
After all, Bát Tràng’s produces some of the best-known porcelain products in Vietnam and was highly prized by the Imperial Court back in the days.
I am no ceramic artist but having come all the way from Hanoi on a bike, my friend My and myself decided on a little art project.
After all what better way to commemorate our visit than painting Singapore’s icon, the Merlion.
Pink!
Before
We dedicated the piece to Emmy, a mutual friend of ours and tadah; the finished product(:
As you can tell, I don’t earn my living through painting…
Bát Tràng is definitely a place to visit in Hanoi if you enjoy pottery/ ceramic art or want to soak in a bit of what this ancient village can offer.
You might find yourself bringing back a plate or two for your kitchen or even a unique art piece like I did.
Categories: Vietnam, PHOTOGRAPHY
