"Artisan couple" brings traditional pottery beyond "village bamboo fence"

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In Bat Trang pottery village (Gia Lam district, Hanoi), the two names Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau stand out not only for their artistic talent but also for their love story and their tireless dedication to spreading Vietnamese ceramic art to the international market.

With his talented hands and artistic acumen, Nguyen Van Loi quickly became famous in Bat Trang pottery village since he was young. He is famous for his unique Raku glaze, a type of glaze with Japanese style but modified and created to suit Vietnamese culture and aesthetics. Nguyen Van Loi's ceramic products are not only decorative objects but also contain the soul and emotions of the artisan.

The combination of tradition and modernity in his works has attracted much attention from art lovers at home and abroad. He not only stops at creating, but also participates in teaching and imparting experience to the younger generations, helping to preserve and develop the craft village.

Artisan Pham Thi Minh Chau, with her equally talented personality, has created a perfect couple with her husband in Bat Trang pottery village. She is not only an artist but also a life partner, companion, and inspiration for Nguyen Van Loi. Graduated from Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts, Pham Thi Minh Chau brings exquisite creations, combining modern and traditional art.

Her works are often highly artistic, with every detail meticulously cared for and demonstrating the craftsmanship of the artisan. She also plays an important role in managing and developing the family's ceramic brand, helping to bring their products closer to the public and the international market.

Not only are Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau individually talented, they are also a “strong team” when combined. They have gone through challenges and difficulties together but have always maintained their love and passion for ceramic art. Thanks to their consensus and cooperation, they have created unique ceramic works, bearing their own personal mark and distinct style.

In 2023, both husband and wife were awarded the title of Traditional Craft Village Artisan, a worthy recognition for their contributions and dedication to Bat Trang craft village.

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The journey of Nguyen Van Loi and his wife Nguyen Thi Minh Chau is a story of perseverance, passion and the ability to overcome challenges. He has contributed to bringing Bat Trang pottery closer to the public and affirming the position of the traditional craft village in the new era.

After 1986, when Bat Trang pottery village was allowed to develop freely, he and his family opened their own pottery workshop. While inheriting the quintessence of traditional pottery, he constantly researched and innovated to create new, unique pottery products with a strong personal touch.

After many years of painstaking experimentation, Nguyen Van Loi found the right formula to help Raku pottery withstand thermal shock while still maintaining its magical beauty. He shared: “On the first day of research, the products often broke when fired at high temperatures. But I did not give up, because I knew that in failure, there is always opportunity.”

Raku glaze originated in Japan in the 16th century and is famous for the wild, unique beauty of each piece. However, the production of Raku glaze in Vietnam faces many challenges due to differences in climate, raw materials and firing techniques.

Raku glaze is fired at a lower temperature than traditional ceramics, around 850-1000 degrees Celsius. After firing, the product is removed from the kiln while still glowing red and cooled quickly by dipping it in water or sprinkling it with coloring agents such as ash or sawdust. This process creates cracks and uneven colors, giving the product a natural and unexpected beauty.

The surface of Raku glazes often has small cracks, called craquelure. Craquelure refers to small cracks on the surface of a painting, usually caused by aging, dryness or other physical factors. These cracks can appear in the paint or surface preservative layer, creating a special aesthetic effect and are sometimes considered evidence of the “ageing” of the artwork, creating a unique and antique beauty. These cracks are the result of sudden temperature changes when the product is immersed in water or other cooling agents. Each Raku product is unique, no two are exactly alike.

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Raku glazes offer a rich range of colors, from vibrant reds, blues, and greens, to muted tones like blacks, browns, and grays. The blending of natural colors and chemical reactions creates stunning and unpredictable color effects.

Raku is not just a pottery technique, but also contains a deep philosophical and aesthetic spirit. Raku originated in Japan and is used in tea ceremonies, where simplicity, nature and tranquility are emphasized. Each Raku product carries within it the spirit of acceptance and feeling the beauty in imperfection.

The above characteristics have created the charm and uniqueness of Raku ceramic glaze, captivating the hearts of art lovers and those who appreciate natural, rustic beauty. The artisan couple Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau have succeeded in bringing this glaze closer to the public while maintaining and developing the traditional values of Bat Trang ceramic village.

For that reason, the combination of traditional core values with a new breeze has conquered demanding markets such as the Netherlands, England, and Canada.

Bat Trang pottery village, with the contributions of artisans such as Nguyen Van Loi and Pham Minh Chau, will continue to develop and maintain its position in the traditional Vietnamese art scene. They are shining examples, not only of talent but also of love, dedication and creativity./.