A visit to Phu Lang Pottery Village offers a glimpse into the pottery-making heritage of northern Vietnam. Nestled in Bac Ninh Province, this village is known for its handmade pottery that has been preserved for generations.
Phu Lang Pottery Village is one of the most renowned pottery villages in northern Vietnam. Located along the poetic Cau River in Phu Lang Commune (formerly Que Vo Town),
Bac Ninh Province, this charming village has preserved its pottery-making heritage for over 700 years.
Known for producing rustic yet robust pottery pieces, Phu Lang Pottery Village has been selected as one of three craft villages in Bac Ninh to be developed for OCOP (One Commune One Product) - a national rural development program.
The roots of Phu Lang's pottery-making craft trace back to the late Ly Dynasty. Legend has it that Luu Phong Tu, who was considered the village’s founding potter, learned ceramic techniques during diplomatic missions and later passed down the craft to local villagers.
While the trade faced periods of decline, the last decade has seen a strong revival. Blending art with experiential tourism, Phu Lang pottery has gained recognition across Vietnam and beyond.
Traditionally, people in Phu Lang Pottery Village crafted large jars, vases, and burial urns. Since 2000, younger artisans have introduced a wider range of artistic items, including murals, statues, decorative homeware, and religious objects. Today, more than 200 households are involved in pottery making, employing nearly 1,000 artisans. The village produces over one million ceramic pieces annually, many of which are exported.
In 2016, Phu Lang pottery was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The ceramics from Phu Lang Pottery Village stand out for their diversity and craftsmanship. These products fall into three main categories:
- Religious objects: Buddha statues, incense burners, etc.
- Household items: Jars, pots, hookah pipes, vases, etc.
- Decorative homeware: Vases, paintings, figurines, etc.
- What sets Phu Lang pottery in Bac Ninh apart is its handmade texture, the fact that artisans use no molds or machinery. Everything is shaped by hand, and the glaze is home-made using natural materials. Key steps include sculpting, building the form, and firing. The entire process for one piece can take up to two days.
- The clay comes from red alluvial soil found in Bac Giang and transported by river to Phu Lang Pottery Village. After multiple stages of filtering and kneading, the clay becomes soft and pliable, ready for shaping. Phu Lang pottery is known for its earthy look with strong forms. Pieces often feature double-layered carving.
- The glazes are uniquely made from a mix of forest ash and river mud. When fired at 1,200°C, this natural glaze produces rich hues like brown, red, and ochre. Today, younger artisans have expanded the palette using natural ingredients such as leaves, minerals, and gemstone fragments.
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