Van Son has been famous for centuries as a pottery making village, one of the oldest in Binh Dinh Province.
Meticulous craftsmanship
Meticulously-crafted, the products from Van Son Village, An Nhon Township’s Nhon Hau Commune have been turning soil into art for a long time, and have become known throughout the country.
Despite economic development and rapid urbanisation, Van Son's industry remains vibrant.
Its products are mainly earthenware, which can be seen in a number of places, including Bac Ninh, Hue, Danang, Quang Nam, Kien Giang and Rach Gia.
According to local craftsmen, it takes a lot of time and effort to create a product ready for sales in the market.
Cao Van Binh, 52, who is an experienced craftsman from Van Son, said “In order to make pottery that is up to standard, the potter first has to make sure that the materials are of alluvial soil or clay. They then have to be well-kneaded, dried, and pounded. After that impurities will be removed, making it into a soft and silky powder. Such a process requires a lot of time and know-how. Only after that are they ready for the kiln."
Currently, craftsmen in Van Son are facing some difficulties in maintaining this tradition, due to the lack of availability of appropriate soil, high production costs and low selling prices.
Vo Thi Phung, 38, from Van Son, said soil prices have doubled, to VND100,000 (USD4.79) per wagon.
Tremendous time and effort put in
Industrious craftsmen
Shining up before sale
Preparing for the kiln
Final products
