At the area behind the Thai Hoc House (a relic within the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam), 180 outstanding Bat Trang ceramic artifacts are on display with the aim of spreading the essence of the Bat Trang ceramic craft to a wide audience of visitors, helping viewers gain deeper insights into Vietnam’s ceramic traditions.
On the morning of August 25, the exhibition “Tinh Dat va Gom”, organized by the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities in coordination with artisan and collector Nguyen Duc Cong, was officially opened. The exhibition is also one of many activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the success of the August Revolution (19/8/1945 – 19/8/2025) and National Day on September 2.
The event introduces to the public and visitors to the relic site the essence of traditional Bat Trang ceramics – one of the most representative craft villages of Hanoi and Vietnam. The exhibition and experiential space is arranged in a new location behind the Thai Hoc House, contributing to a richer visitor experience while spreading the values of the Bat Trang ceramic craft village to a broad audience during this major national commemoration.
Artifacts displayed behind the Thai Hoc House
The exhibition features 180 outstanding artifacts crafted and carefully selected by artisan and collector Nguyen Duc Cong, including many reproductions in ceramic styles from the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties. The works reflect the dexterity, refinement, and spirit of Bat Trang artisans, offering viewers a more comprehensive perspective on Vietnam’s more than 500-year-old ceramic tradition.
Exhibited artifacts
Speaking about the exhibition, Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, emphasized: “The exhibition ‘Tinh Dat va Gom’ is one of the Center’s practical activities marking the 80th anniversary of the success of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. Through the exhibition and hands-on experiences, the public will be able to feel the essence of the Bat Trang ceramic craft, while also gaining greater pride and a stronger sense of responsibility in preserving and promoting cultural heritage values.”
Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, delivering remarks at the opening ceremony
Artisan and collector Nguyen Duc Cong shared: “I am deeply honored to be present at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, a sacred space of national intellect and culture, to introduce my ceramic collection. To me, ceramics are not merely a profession, but also memory – the breath of thousands of years crystallized from earth, fire, and the hands of artisans. Through the Thien Duc Ceramics brand, I hope to contribute to preserving and spreading the essence of Vietnamese ceramics, so that tradition continues to live vibrantly in contemporary life.”
Artisan and collector Nguyen Duc Cong sharing information about the exhibited artifacts with visitors
Many outstanding artifacts on display at the exhibition
Within the framework of the exhibition, experiential activities such as wheel-throwing, shaping, pattern painting, and glazing are also held. These activities provide visitors with opportunities to directly participate in the creative process, to understand the patience and talent of ceramic artisans, and thereby to develop a deeper appreciation for the value of traditional handicrafts.
Hong Dien