Dong Trieu pottery- making village

Dong Trieu is one of the compulsory stops for local and foreign tourists who come to visit the magnificent site of Ha Long bay, with its population of islands rising from the clear and emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Dong Trieu district, situated some 60km from Ha Long city, on Highway 18A, owns some of the most famous ceramic villages in Vietnam.Dong Trieu ceramics has developed more recently than other traditional ceramics villages in Vietnam as the first master craftsman, Mr. Hoang Ba Huy, started his family production workshop around 1955. Few years later, in 1958, he established the Ceramics Co-operative Dong Thanh in Cau Dat village with several other family production workshops. By the end of 1960, he had created another co-operative named Anh Hong Ceramic in Vinh Hong village, Mao Khe town.

Dong Trieu products are listed in the category of refractory ceramics. Artisan mainly use oval kilns firing at 1300C. Main raw material is a soft-white variety of clay from Truc Thon village and refractory kaolin exploited in Tu Lang village, Hai Duong province. To catch up with centuries old know how, artisans have dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to find out the most effective methods of material preparation and kiln structure. As a result of extensive research and because of high firing temperatures, Dong Trieu ceramics guarantee a high degree of durability as well as of purity of glaze. All impurities and Fe2O3 are removed from the raw clay and material treatment is strictly controlled to achieve stable quality and pleasant colour.

There are currently 20 oval kilns in Cau Dat village, and around 36 in Vinh Hong, providing work to almost 1500 local labourers. Some production units with low output of small products such as bowls, plates, cups, etc, have started using gas kilns.

Dong Trieu ceramics has specialized in the production of specific items that other ceramic villages are not able to manufacture, such as 100 cm diameter flower-pots, wide flower support seats, basins, etc. Artisans do not fail to the ethics of Vietnamese craftsmen to add the sensitivity and strength of their heart to the dexterity of their hands, as well as modern technology. Styling is made on electric turning tables to generate high productivity. Designs and decorative patterns are well protected as they are drawn under the glaze. They include four seasons, charming scenery, etc.

Dong Trieu ceramics are highly appreciated by foreign customers and flowerpots, indoor and outdoor plant support seats and basins are exported to many countries such as Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Canada, etc. Many local enterprises are now aware of the important potential for ceramics development in Dong Trieu. Attracted by abundant material resources, skilled workforce and favorable transportation conditions, they have invested in Dong Trieu and created a solid basis for further economic development in the region.