Bien Hoa pottery – The soul of heritage in the modern life

Bien Hoa pottery, with centuries of formation and development, is not only intertwined with daily life but also stands as a living witness to the history of the southern region.

Leaders of Bien Hoa ward (Dong Nai province) conduct a field survey at Viet Thanh Pottery Joint Stock Company. Photo: My Ny

Alongside efforts to preserve collections of ancient pottery, artisans and organisations have been striving to breathe modern vitality into the craft, bringing this heritage closer to the public through digital technology.

Past heritage, present creativity

Dong Nai Museum, which operates two facilities in Tan Trieu and Binh Phuoc wards, showcases hundreds of valuable pottery artefacts. Its exhibition spaces cater to both locals and visitors eager to explore the province’s cultural heritage. The displays include artefacts unearthed through numerous archaeological excavations, the renowned Bien Hoa pottery line, and contemporary works that are both rustic and exquisite.

Each artefact tells its own story while reflecting distinctive aesthetic styles and crafting techniques of different historical periods. It can be seen as a “living archive” of the lives of ancient inhabitants and the development journey of Dong Nai region.

Beyond the walls of museums or artifact warehouses, Bien Hoa pottery continues to be preserved and shared through individual collectors, private groups, and clubs such as the Bien Hoa Relic and Antiquities Club (Tran Bien ward) and the Long Khanh Antiquities Club (Long Khanh ward). Members regularly exchange artefacts, hold exhibitions, and foster dialogue, bringing ancient pottery treasures out of private spaces and closer to the public, especially younger generations familiar with modern lifestyles and digital technology.

Nguyen Duc Dien, a collector from Tran Bien ward, is among the prominent enthusiasts of ancient pottery in Dong Nai. “My passion began quite by chance more than ten years ago," he recalled. His collection now exceeds 300 items, including jars, pots, and fragments of pottery. He takes particular interest in pieces that depict Vietnamese folktales and everyday life in the southern region, especially in Dong Nai.

“The pottery artefacts I collect are witnesses of time. Sometimes, even a broken shard can evoke a story about the beliefs, lives, and culture of our ancestors. I keep them not only out of personal passion but also to share them with the public, in the hope that younger generations will gain a deeper appreciation of history and the values passed down by our forebears,” Dien said.

Dong Nai College of Decorative Arts, often regarded as the cradle of pottery artisans, plays a crucial role in preserving and developing traditional pottery craftsmanship. Beyond teaching shaping techniques and glazing methods, the college encourages students to blend traditional elements with the touch of modernity, thereby producing works that retain the soul of heritage while meeting aesthetic and practical demands of today’s society.

According to Master Dinh Cong Viet Khoi, Head of the Department of Pottery and Sculpture of Dong Nai College of Decorative Arts, “The college focuses on preserving the essence of traditional pottery while inspiring students to innovate and explore technological applications. This is how Bien Hoa pottery can preserve its identity yet remain in step with contemporary trends.”

Awakening the soul of ceramics through digital technology

In addition to exhibitions and collectors’ displays, many pottery workshops, artisans, and local enterprises in Dong Nai are actively harnessing digital tools to bring traditional pottery closer to the public.

“Today, Bien Hoa pottery not only retains its traditional soul but is also empowered by digital technology, from showcasing products on websites, Facebook, YouTube, and Zalo to digitising pottery designs. This heritage is being ‘awakened’, spreading widely and reaching the public more intimately.”

Artist Pham Cong Hoang, Fine Arts Division, Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association

Artisan Hoang Ngoc Hien, owner of Hien Nam Pottery Workshop in Bien Hoa ward, shared: “Most of our pottery is handmade, from shaping to decorating and glazing practices. We maintain traditional processes to preserve the craft’s values, while also expanding our promotional channels on Facebook and Zalo. This helps more customers access our products and brings Bien Hoa pottery to broader markets.”

Nguyen Viet Binh, Chairman of the Board of Viet Thanh Ceramic Corporation, described Bien Hoa pottery as a precious heritage crystallising the wisdom and craftsmanship of generations of artisans. “Building on this foundation, Viet Thanh continuously strives to innovate and diversify our designs to make them more appealing to the public. Recently, we have strengthened online promotion through our company website, allowing Bien Hoa pottery to connect with both domestic and international customers and to spread the values of heritage in modern life,” he said.

According to Thai Thanh Phong, Chairman of the Bien Hoa Ward People's Committee, the locality is renowned for the Tan Hanh pottery cluster, which is home to approximately 30 enterprises employing nearly 1,000 workers. With a longstanding tradition of pottery production, the ward has included the industry's development in its Party Congress Resolution for the 2025–2030 term. The plan focuses on expanding international markets, promoting traditional products, organising annual pottery festivals, and supporting businesses in trade promotion.

“Beyond festivals and fairs, local enterprises are intensifying online marketing to introduce Bien Hoa pottery to a wider audience. In particular, the locality has oriented schools to include learning about craft villages and Bien Hoa ceramics in extracurricular programs. This helps students understand, appreciate, and take pride in the unique products of their homeland,” Phong noted.

By My Ny – Translated by My Le, Thu Ha