Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Originating from Thanh Hoa province, Thanh Ha pottery village was formed in the late 15th century and developed strongly along with Hoi An port. Thanh Ha pottery products are made mainly from raw clay, molded by the skilled hands of artisans and applied traditional techniques of craft villages.

The products mostly are common utilities such as cups, bowls, jars, vases, flower pots, ornamental pots, shapes of breeds... They are designed in many styles, colors and especially lighter than similar products of other localities.

The main material to make Thanh Ha pottery products is brown clay taken from Thu Bon river. The soil is then kneaded and cut thin. After that, the artisans will kick it back and forth to enhance the texture before using it.

The pottery throwing is traditionally done by hand

The pottery wheel is operated by 2 people. One for throwing the pottery, one for spinning the wheel by foot.

Other artisans is in charge of creating more decorative shapes for the product. The patterns are usually drawn with pencil.

Then, the artisans use blades to cut and chisel to shape.

Products after shaping and decorating will be left dried under the sun.

The sun-dried products will be transferred to traditional wood-burning kilns for 7-8 hours.

Over the past five centuries, Thanh Ha pottery has so far maintained its unique method of production and reserved its distinct products: shaped with a turntable and hands, having no mold, unglazed and baked with traditional wood stoves.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village is located on the bank of Thu Bon River, in the area of ​​Cam Ha Commune - Hoi An Town, about 2 kilometers west of the ancient town. Visiting the village, visitors will not only freely pick up their favorite ceramic souvenirs, but also have a chance to admire the skillful manipulation from the talented hands of the Thanh Ha artisans.

Until today, Thanh Ha pottery village still exists and produces handicraft pottery products with traditional tools and techniques. Therefore, it has become a living museum, a valuable resource for scientists to study the traditional pottery profession in Vietnam in particular and Southeast Asia in general.