Bien Hoa ceramics - a cultural choice in the land of Dong Nai

Following the flow of Dong Nai River, where layers of historical sediment of the ancient Tran Bien region are imprinted, Bien Hoa ceramics craft has formed, developed, and become an enduring cultural source.

The process of glazing a "3-flower" patterned ceramic pot at Nguyen Hoa's ceramic workshop (in Bien Hoa ward), in preparation for serving the 2026 Tet market.

Ceramics are not only handicraft products but also become a refined cultural choice, stirring memories of origins and fostering the identity of the land and people of Dong Nai.

From a cradle of ceramic craftsmanship of over 325 years

Before the Vietnamese and Chinese people came to the Dong Nai region, the Cho Ro, Ma, S'tieng, Cham, and Khmer ethnic groups had long known the pottery craft to meet human needs.

According to gazetteer of Dong Nai, "The ceramic artifacts collected in places such as Cau Sat, Cai Van, Binh Da, Suoi Da... are very diverse in type, complete in technique and aesthetics, and are estimated to be about 4,000 years old. Ceramic artifacts such as jars, crocks, pots, vases, bowls, cups, bowls, plates... in Phuoc Tan, Phuoc Thai, Phuoc Tho, Ben Go, Hoa An, Tan Thanh, some have indigenous colors, some have Cham cultural colors."

In the last decades of the 17th century, the group of Chinese loyalists "anti-Qing, restore Ming" led by Tran Thuong Xuyen and Duong Ngan Dich, brought their families and entourage of about 3,000 people, with the permission of Lord Nguyen, to settle in the Dang Trong (the Southern Realm). Among them were Guangdong potters and stonemasons who came to Ban Lan with the Vietnamese residents who had settled there before, working together to build Cu Lao Pho (Pho Isle) into a bustling port city. In that cradle, Bien Hoa ceramics was born, creating a diverse and attractive ceramic appearance.

Professor, Dr., People's Teacher Nguyen Xuan Tien, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association, said: Bien Hoa ceramics was formed by the harmonious combination of the crafting techniques of indigenous ceramics, absorbing the crafting techniques of Cay Mai ceramics (Saigon - Cho Lon) and the Chinese ancient pottery making techniques. In the early 20th century, traditional pottery villages in Bien Hoa were established, located along the Dong Nai River. Ceramic products at that time developed strongly but mainly served the needs of the common people in the locality and surrounding areas.

"In 1903, when the Bien Hoa School of Applied Arts (Dong Nai College of Decorative Arts now, located in Tran Bien ward) was established, Bien Hoa ceramics began to undergo a strong transformation. Not only famous domestically, but from the 1920s-1930s, Bien Hoa ceramics became popular to many countries around the world. Currently, Bien Hoa ceramic artisans have skillfully combined traditional elements with a modern spirit, creating ceramic products that not only have practical value but are also rich in artistic quality," said Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Tien.

...To a cultural choice every spring

Through many historical ups and downs, Bien Hoa ceramics not only exists as a traditional craft but also increasingly asserts its position in contemporary cultural life. In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year (Tet) of the Horse 2026, the atmosphere in ceramic workshops becomes more bustling. Artisans are busy completing new ceramic products, imbuing them with the colors of spring, hope, and aspirations for a peaceful and happy new year.

Having been involved in the ceramic craft for nearly 20 years, Nguyen Hoa, a former student of the Ceramics - Sculpture Department, Dong Nai College of Decorative Arts, said: From early August 2025, her ceramic workshop began to receive Tet orders from Viet Thanh Ceramic Corporation (in Bien Hoa ward). Most of the production stages are done by hand, from shaping, molding, carving patterns to glazing... This meticulous and elaborate process has created the unique character of Bien Hoa ceramics, helping the products not only meet aesthetic requirements but also retain their traditional soul.

"Currently, many products from the workshop are ordered by Viet Thanh Ceramic Corporation for production and export to Asian and European markets. The highlight of the ceramic export line for the 2026 Tet holiday is traditional motifs such as '3 flowers' and leafy vines, displayed on plant pots and indoor and outdoor decorative ceramics. These traditional motifs not only create a cultural imprint but also capture the aesthetic tastes of international customers," shared Hoa.

Not only present in every household, Bien Hoa ceramics are also chosen to create cultural highlights in public spaces, architectural works, tourist areas, and spring festivals inside and outside the province. Ceramic artworks, reliefs, and decorative statues bearing the identity of Dong Nai contribute to enriching the cultural landscape, affirming the value of a ceramic line that has been persistently associated with the region for over 325 years of formation and development.

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Quyet, Chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association of Dong Nai province, Bien Hoa ceramics are not only a traditional cultural product but also an "ambassador" connecting and promoting international cultural exchange. In recent times, Bien Hoa ceramics have been used by many organizations and localities as "gifts" for cultural diplomacy, bringing the story of the identity of the land and people of Dong Nai to domestic and international friends. Along with that, incorporating ceramics into living spaces, cultural works, and early spring activities is both for decoration and a way to engage in dialogue with the past, honoring, preserving, and promoting heritage values.

In the spring of the 2026 Lunar New Year of the Horse, ceramic products leaving the potter's wheel, carrying the warmth of fire and the dedication of artisans, continue their journey to beautify life. And the story of the revival of Bien Hoa ceramics continues to be written persistently, just like the ever-flowing Dong Nai River...

By My Ny – Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha