Promoting Values of Traditional Craftsmanship

Bat Trang pottery delivers a high artistic value, blending traditional craftsmanship with the creativity of its artisans. Each piece tells a unique story and carries a deep sense of national pride.

Bat Trang ceramics are handmade using traditional glazes such as blue, brown, crackle, turquoise, and cobalt blue, and come in a variety of designs and sizes

Bat Trang not only upholds all the qualities of a traditional craft village but also deserves a place in the Global Network of Creative Craft Cities.

Quintessence of traditional art

Despite historical challenges, the cultural heritage of Bat Trang pottery has been preserved and passed down through generations. As a masterpiece of traditional art, Bat Trang pottery has created lasting value, both material and spiritual, and continues to open up new opportunities for the community in Bat Trang village.

Bat Trang ceramic craft village is an historic hub, renowned for its high-quality ceramics that meet both domestic and international demand. With over 100 artisans, nearly 200 enterprises, and around 1,000 households involved in the ceramics industry, the village provides employment for tens of thousands, driving socio-economic development in the region.

Bat Trang ceramics are handmade using traditional glazes like blue, brown, crackle, turquoise and cobalt blue. Made from terracotta, they come in many designs and sizes, including worship items (incense burners, candlesticks, wine jars), household items (pots, cups, bowls, plates, vases), and decorative ceramics for fine arts and construction.

In Bat Trang commune, pottery making has long been the backbone of many families, with skills passed down through generations. The craft is deeply valued, and each household has its own unique approach to pottery. 90% of young people in Bat Trang know the craft, learning directly from parents, grandparents and relatives. This tradition ensures that the secrets of pottery making are carefully preserved in the community.

Bat Trang pottery dominates the domestic market and is also exported to countries across Asia, Europe and America. Iconic products like tableware, teapots, flower vases and lucky pots are often selected as gifts for dignitaries at conferences, major holidays and key anniversaries. The village attracts around 100,000 visitors annually, including many international tourists. Ceramic production and trade generate over VND2,000 billion per year, contributing to an average income of more than VND90 million per person annually in the commune.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chi, Standing Deputy Chief of the Hanoi Coordination Office for New Rural Development, emphasized that Bat Trang not only meets all the criteria of a traditional craft village but also deserves to be part of the Global Creative Craft Cities Network. To further enhance product quality, Bat Trang's ceramic producers have actively participated in Hanoi's One Commune One Product (OCOP) Program. As of now, over 50 Bat Trang ceramic products have received OCOP ratings ranging from 3 to 5 stars.

Position affirmed

Bat Trang traditional craft village is a beacon for preserving cultural heritage through its timeless pottery, crafted from the earth. The village is actively developing both its cultural and experiential tourism, while continuing to nurture its ceramic craft. Alongside pottery, Bat Trang preserves many aspects of its community’s heritage, including historical relics, festivals, customs and culinary traditions. The village’s unique blend of traditional culture and dynamic development creates a distinct charm, positioning Bat Trang as a compelling destination for visitors.

Recently, the International Jury of the World Crafts Council (WCC-International) visited Hanoi to assess and consider Bat Trang for inclusion in the Global Network of Creative Craft Cities. During the visit, Mr. Aziz Murtazaev, Chairman of the WCC Asia-Pacific region, expressed admiration for Bat Trang's craftsmanship and pledged to promote its products and artisans globally to spread traditional cultural values. This recognition not only supports the preservation and development of Bat Trang pottery, but also solidifies its place in the global craft community. It commended Bat Trang’s unique cultural, historical, economic and social impact, affirming that the village deserves to be part of the Global Network of Creative Craft Cities.

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Dinh Hoa said that Bat Trang has become a symbol of Hanoi’s efforts to preserve and promote its craft villages. With 1,350 craft villages, representing 56% of the nation's total, and 47 out of 52 traditional crafts, Hanoi has a strong foundation for developing cultural industries in the modern era.

By Minh Ngoc, Vietnam Business Forum