Chu Dau Ceramics - Best Fine Art Articles of 15th Century Recovered

Chu Dau Ceramics - Best Fine Art Articles of 15^th Century Recovered

Chu Dau ceramic is ranked among the best fine art articles of the 15^th century. The enamel, motifs and styles are highly valued abroad and are exhibited in 30 major international museums. The restoration and development of traditional craft villages is a high priority of the province, concerned organisations and the people.

Chu Dau ceramic products were found in archaeological excavation in South East Asia and appeared in foreign collections, while in Vietnam they were known only in legend until in the 1980s and 90s, after several research projects, the origin of Chu Dau ceramic was confirmed. 

The ancient Chu Dau is today Chu Dau village, Thai Tan commune, Nam Sach district in Hai Duong province. In the 15^th-16^th centuries, Chu Dau was a prosperous ceramic centre. Like others in North Vietnam, Chu Dau ceramic centre lies close to the Thai Binh River facilitating the transport of materials and products. 

Chu Dau ceramic inherited the finesse of the ceramics of the Ly-Tran dynasties in enamel and engraved motifs and were improved upon by Chu Dau artisans in style, decoration, enamel and production skill. Chu Dau ceramic was diverse in its products: cups, bowls, dishes, pots and jars and of superior quality than others of the same era. The inside ceramic is dull white or grey, some is of porcelain quality. Ceramic products of the early Le dynasty and Mac dynasty were found in Chu Dau. Many Chu Dau products are found in foreign collections of Vietnamese ceramic from the 15^th-16^th centuries. 

Chu Dau ceramic combined the quintessence of both culture and art. The cultural value of Chu Dau ceramic is in the motif and decoration illustrating national identity and the livelihood of the people of the Red River delta. The illustrations were white, blue or tri-colour. Many products were decorated and the paintings still remain fresh after 4-5 centuries. Besides the cultural value, the production and technique were of a high standard, surprising even researchers and artists of later eras. 

Regardless of their historic, cultural and artistic value, Chu Dau ceramic remain mystical in the values and techniques of ancient times. In 2002, Hai Duong People's Committee approved the "Project of restoration and development of Chu Dau high-class ceramic craft villages". The project includes a ceramic factory and a product introduction centre. Chu Dau ceramic factory will be at the core of promoting the restoration and development of the craft village, researching and developing the styles and traditional enamel of Chu Dau ceramic. 

• Mien Trung