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Reviving Tradition: Phù Lãng Pottery Village Blends Heritage with Innovation

In the quiet landscapes of Bắc Ninh Province, along the serene Cầu River, Phù Lãng pottery village stands as a testament to Vietnam’s enduring cultural heritage. With a history stretching back over 700 years, this ancient craft center, one of the oldest in northern Vietnam, is experiencing a renaissance. A new generation of artisans, armed with innovation and global perspectives, is breathing life into the village’s signature reddish-brown earthenware, while international collaborations offer a glimpse of a sustainable future for this traditional craft.

A Legacy of Clay and Fire

Phù Lãng’s pottery tradition dates to the 13th century under the Trần Dynasty, a time when the village emerged as a hub for terracotta craftsmanship. Known for its earthy brown glaze and intricate hand-carved patterns, the village’s products—ranging from jars and vases to water containers—were once staples in Vietnamese households. The unique firing process in traditional wood-fired kilns gave the pottery its distinct character, a craft passed down through generations using local red clay sourced from the riverbed.

However, the past few decades brought significant challenges. The advent of industrial ceramics, plastic goods, and cheaper imports eroded demand for handmade pottery. Many older artisans retired, while younger villagers sought more stable and lucrative opportunities in urban centers. As Bùi Văn Huân, a 35-year-old potter from the village, recalls, “Many young people in my village didn’t want to do pottery anymore because it seemed rustic and outdated. It was hard work, the income was unstable, and the market was shrinking.”

A New Generation Takes the Wheel

Despite these hurdles, a quiet revolution is underway in Phù Lãng. Young artisans like Huân, who studied at Hà Nội University of Industrial Fine Arts, are returning to their roots with fresh ideas. Determined to preserve their heritage without being bound by its constraints, they are reimagining traditional pottery for modern audiences. Huân, for instance, shifted from crafting large, utilitarian jars to designing minimalist tea sets, home decor, and contemporary tableware suited to urban lifestyles.

“I realized we couldn’t just make the same things our grandparents did” said Huân. “We had to innovate new products.” His studio, Gốm Huân, has gained traction by blending traditional firing techniques with modern aesthetics, tapping into the growing demand for sustainable, handmade goods. Through social media, Huân and others have connected with customers across Vietnam and beyond, proving that digital literacy can bridge the gap between rural tradition and global markets.

International Collaboration Sparks Hope

A pivotal moment for Phù Lãng came in 2021 with a partnership between Vietnam and Japan, facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The initiative, named “Sustainable Pottery Development in Phù Lãng,” pairs local artisans with Japanese experts from Onimaru Setsuzan Kamamoto Company and Toho Village. The project focuses on merging traditional techniques with advanced methods, aiming to create high-end ceramic products for flower arrangements and dining utensils that can compete on the world stage.

“Our project took place in Phù Lãng traditional pottery village, with the aim of creating ceramic products recognized not only in Vietnam, but also around the world” said Onimaru Hekizan, the project director. He emphasized the need for sustainable practices, noting that while the village’s large wood-fired kilns and riverbed clay are iconic, resources like soil and wood are finite. “We hope that Phù Lãng will prosper as one of the leading ceramic production areas in Vietnam, by learning methods that use as few resources as possible yet provide the families with a good income” he added.

Japanese master artisan Naganuma Takehisa, who participated in workshops with local potters, was struck by their dedication. “I have been working as a pottery artisan for 40 years. The image of the time when I started the pottery career suddenly appeared when I saw the sincere and energetic pottery-making attitude of my learners at the pottery workshop in Phù Lãng Village” he shared.

From Village to Visitor Destination

The impact of these efforts is evident. Over 200 households in Phù Lãng are now engaged in pottery production, employing around 1,000 workers and churning out more than a million products annually. With support from the JICA project, workshops have refined their designs, adopting subtler color palettes and export-friendly forms. Some have transformed into multi-functional spaces—part gallery, part studio—where visitors can observe artisans at work or try crafting pottery themselves, turning the village into a cultural destination.

“It’s not just about selling potteries” said Huân. “It’s about telling a story—the story of a village, a tradition, and a new generation.” This sentiment is echoed in community initiatives, such as the Phù Lãng Pottery Festival and New Kiln Inauguration Ceremony held from February 22 to 25, 2025, which showcased the work of local cooperatives and households with backing from authorities.

Challenges on the Horizon

Yet, the path forward is not without obstacles. Infrastructure limitations, from poor roads to inadequate logistics, hinder efforts to scale production or attract more tourists. Environmental concerns also persist, as traditional wood-fired kilns contribute to air pollution and deforestation. While some artisans experiment with electric kilns or cleaner fuels, the transition requires financial and technical support that is not yet widely available.

Additionally, maintaining quality amid growing demand poses a dilemma. As interest in Phù Lãng pottery rises, the temptation to cut corners or outsource production grows. For artisans like Huân, striking a balance between authenticity and expansion remains a delicate task. Skepticism from older family members, wary of change, adds another layer of complexity for the younger generation pushing for innovation.

A Craft Reborn

Despite these challenges, a sense of optimism permeates Phù Lãng. The village, once feared to be on the brink of losing its craft, is now seen as a living art form—a symbol of Vietnam’s creative potential. As Nguyễn Minh Ngọc, chairman of the Phù Lãng Pottery and Tourism Cooperative, reflects, “Tourists come not just to buy potteries, but to learn, to feel connected. That experience adds value to what we do.”

Through a blend of youthful energy, cultural pride, and international support, Phù Lãng is crafting a new narrative. What was once a fading tradition is evolving into a vibrant expression of heritage and modernity, promising not just survival, but a thriving future for this ancient village.

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