Gia Thuy Pottery Village: Where the Fire of Tradition Never Dies

Ninh Binh, a province blessed by nature with stunning landscapes like the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – the first and only dual World Heritage site in Southeast Asia – and the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – a witness to the history of three major feudal dynasties. But Ninh Binh’s beauty doesn’t stop there. The province also preserves traditional villages, a unique cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. And Gia Thuy Pottery Village is one of them, a place where the fire of the kiln never dies, carrying the essence of the earth and the soul of the people.

Gia Thuy Pottery – Rustic Beauty, Traditional Essence

Bat Trang Pottery, Phu Lang Pottery, Gia Thuy Pottery – each village carries its own unique charm. Gia Thuy pottery doesn’t boast extravagant patterns, instead, it exudes a rustic, straightforward beauty, deeply rooted in the essence of the earth and its people. Gia Thuy pottery jars are created through the harmonious combination of clay, fire, and the skillful hands of the potters. Since 2007, Gia Thuy Pottery Village has been proudly recognized as one of the traditional craft villages of Ninh Binh, consistently thriving and developing over the years. Gia Thuy Pottery Village is not only a place to produce unique pottery products but also a fascinating tourist destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

From Clay to Pottery: A Journey of Craftsmanship

According to the village’s artisans, Gia Thuy pottery began with Long Thinh pottery in the 1960s. In 1959, some potters from Thanh Hoa province migrated to this area and opened pottery kilns to produce everyday items like pots, pans, jars, and water containers.

This region was chosen as the site for developing traditional pottery because the clay here is uniquely brown-yellow, a distinctive feature of this area. This clay has high adhesion, is smooth, and can withstand high temperatures. This is why Gia Thuy Pottery Village was born and has existed until today.

To create each Gia Thuy pottery product, artisans go through a meticulous process that can take nearly a month to complete. From selecting the clay, drying it, soaking it, and filtering it to kneading, shaping, air-drying, and firing, each step reflects the dedication and experience of the potters.

The Secret of the Flame Glaze and Unique Clay

Notably, Gia Thuy pottery is not glazed but fired in its raw state for 3 days and 3 nights to become porcelain and as hard as steel, suitable for storing water and wine. Firing pottery requires meticulous care, especially when adding fuel to the kiln, which must be carefully adjusted to avoid warping, bending, or cracking. The firing of pottery in Gia Thuy Village always uses firewood, and potters must constantly watch over and adjust the temperature. The combination of earth and fire creates products with a rustic yet sophisticated beauty.

The unique flame glaze that appears on Gia Thuy pottery after firing is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers numerous health benefits. The multi-mineral clay, rich in antibacterial properties, combines with the flame glaze to create pottery products that are both beautiful, safe, and good for health.

Gia Thuy Pottery and the Essence of Vietnamese Tea: Vân House

The unique combination of Gia Thuy pottery with the essence of Vietnamese tea is a highlight for the Vân House brand. The carefully selected Gia Thuy pottery teapots and cups, with their rustic, elegant, and sophisticated beauty, enhance the tea-drinking experience. The natural flame glaze helps to preserve the full flavor of the tea, whether you are brewing, steeping, or drinking.

Vân House, with its unique Snowshan ancient tea products from Hà Giang, combined with Gia Thuy pottery and traditional treats like Doai region candy, offers you a complete tea experience.