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The refinement of Vietnamese ceramics

Writer: Cabinet Gauchet Art AsiatiqueCabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
Feb 204 min read

Vietnamese ceramics is an ancestral art that has survived the centuries, testifying to the ingenuity and refinement of Vietnamese craftsmen. Deeply rooted in the country's culture, it has developed over the course of dynasties, influenced not only by local traditions but also by exchanges with China, Japan and other nations. Even today, it continues to fascinate collectors and art lovers, oscillating between fidelity to ancient techniques and contemporary innovation.


Porcelain bowl with 'Bleu de Hué' decoration, Vietnam, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €85,000
Porcelain bowl with 'Bleu de Hué' decoration, Vietnam, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €85,000

The first traces of ceramics in Vietnam date back more than 4,000 years, when the first sedentary peoples produced terracotta objects for domestic and ritual use. This rudimentary pottery, often decorated with incised geometrical motifs, already bears witness to an aesthetic and functional quest. The advent of the Đông Sơn culture, famous for its bronze drums, marked a turning point in the history of Vietnamese ceramics, with the appearance of more elaborate pieces incorporating stylistic influences from China.


With the Chinese occupation from the 1st century AD, Vietnamese ceramics underwent a major evolution. Glazing techniques, notably celadon, were introduced, as was the use of kaolin for the manufacture of fine porcelain. Vietnamese potters assimilated these innovations while developing their own aesthetic, characterized by greater freedom in motifs and a more flexible interpretation of shapes. In contrast to the often standardized Chinese productions, Vietnamese ceramics display a diversity and spontaneity that seduce art lovers.

Large ceramic covered jar, Vietnam, 13th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon Auction House, sold for €7,500
Large ceramic covered jar, Vietnam, 13th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon Auction House, sold for €7,500

Another major production center is Chu Đậu, whose golden age was between the 14th and 17th centuries. Its exceptionally fine porcelain was exported to Japan, the Ottoman Empire and even Europe. Characteristic motifs include nature scenes, depictions of dragons and elegant floral compositions. The gradual disappearance of this production in the 18th century, as a result of wars and political upheavals, made these pieces rare objects, now prized by collectors.


Phù Lãng, in the province of Bắc Ninh, is distinguished by a more rustic production, characterized by terracotta pottery covered with an ochre, brown and red glaze. This technique gives the objects a unique warmth and depth, appealing to those seeking a more raw, authentic ceramic. Unlike the refined porcelains of Bát Tràng and Chu Đậu, Phù Lãng's pieces are often thicker and sturdier, designed for everyday use.


Among the most renowned production centers, Bát Tràng, a village near Hanoi, occupies a central position. Since the 15th century, it has been renowned for its glazed stoneware with blue and white motifs, influenced by Chinese porcelain but with a distinct identity. The artisans of Bát Tràng master the art of brush decoration, creating compositions in which landscapes, mythological animals and floral motifs coexist. Even today, this village is a Mecca for Vietnamese ceramics, attracting both collectors and the curious eager to witness the various stages of manufacture.


Stoneware incense burner by Bát Tràng, between 1600 and 1699, housed at the Musée Cernuschi in Paris
Stoneware incense burner by Bát Tràng, between 1600 and 1699, housed at the Musée Cernuschi in Paris

Vietnam played a key role in the Asian ceramics trade, exporting its wares to many countries as early as the Middle Ages. Archaeological digs in Japan, Indonesia and even the Middle East have revealed Vietnamese ceramics among the cargoes of merchant ships. These exchanges not only enabled the spread of Vietnamese know-how, but also the mutual enrichment of ceramic traditions. Vietnamese porcelain influenced Japan's famous Imari porcelain, while certain Vietnamese glazing techniques were adopted by Chinese and Korean potters.


Today, Vietnamese ceramics continues to evolve, driven by a new generation of craftsmen and designers who seek to modernize the art while remaining faithful to its heritage. While traditional techniques are preserved in villages such as Bát Tràng and Phù Lãng, new approaches are emerging, incorporating contemporary influences in shapes, colors and textures. Some designers combine Vietnamese ceramics with elements of Western design, creating unique pieces that appeal to an international audience.


Renewed interest in handicrafts and handmade objects has also contributed to the rediscovery of Vietnamese ceramics. More and more galleries and museums are devoting exhibitions to this art form, highlighting its richness and diversity. Art and interior design enthusiasts are now looking for original, authentic pieces, far removed from standardized industrial production.

Porcelain double gourd vase, Vietnam, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for the Millon auction house, sold for €13,700
Porcelain double gourd vase, Vietnam, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for the Millon auction house, sold for €13,700

To collect Vietnamese ceramics is not only to own an object of great beauty, but also a piece of history. Each piece tells the story of an era, a technique and an influence. Some antique porcelain today fetches very high prices on the art market, while quality contemporary ceramics offer a more affordable alternative for those wishing to integrate a little of this ancestral art into their interiors.


The skills of Vietnamese craftsmen are still passed down from generation to generation, and despite the challenges posed by globalization and mass production, they continue to thrive. If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, a stopover in a ceramics village will allow you to admire this work up close, talk to the craftsmen and even try your hand at shaping your own piece.


The history of Vietnamese ceramics is one of constant dialogue between tradition and innovation, between foreign influences and local identity. It is a marvellous illustration of Vietnam's ability to absorb outside influences while asserting a unique style, both refined and spontaneous. It is this subtle balance that makes Vietnamese ceramics an art form in its own right, appreciated as much for its aesthetics as for its cultural heritage.


Phoenix-shaped ewer, stoneware with underglaze cobalt blue decoration, Vietnam, 15th-16th century, housed at the MET, New York
Phoenix-shaped ewer, stoneware with underglaze cobalt blue decoration, Vietnam, 15th-16th century, housed at the MET, New York

Vietnamese ceramics, with their rich history and diversity of styles, are attracting more and more collectors and art lovers worldwide. However, faced with an upsurge in copies and pieces of uncertain origin, it is essential to be able to rely on the expertise of specialists to distinguish authentic works.


Gauchet Art Asiatique, with its extensive experience in Asian art, offers authentication and appraisal services for Vietnamese ceramics, from Chu Đậu porcelain to Bát Tràng glazed stoneware and traditional Phù Lãng pottery. Thanks to an in-depth analysis of materials, manufacturing techniques and decorative motifs, Gauchet Art Asiatique's experts help collectors and dealers identify the origin and value of pieces, guaranteeing acquisitions in complete confidence.






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