The Bat Trang Ceramic Boots
From the idea of a bespoke artwork to be displayed at a cultural event, Artisan Vu Thang has created a series of masterpieces – 12 ceramic boots, inspired by Italian fashion.
By Bát Tràng Museum
Produced by Bat Trang Museum
Portrait of The Late Vietnamese National Artist Vu Thang #4 by Tang TangBát Tràng Museum
Introduction
Vu Thang's twelve ceramic boots are a masterful blend of traditional techniques, exotic materials, and decades of experience, showcasing the passionate soul of Vietnamese pottery. These unique masterpieces mark a new chapter where ceramics converge with fashion.
Ceramic boot #1 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #1
Brown glazed ceramic, adorned with lotus and flower patterns, white silkworm cocoons and wooden beads attached on the side, monochromatic brown background.
Ceramic boot #2 (2013) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #2
Turquoise glazed ceramic, lotus & flower string motifs, dried lotus calyx, wooden beads, and lacquered silkworm cocoons attached in the toe.
Ceramic boot #3 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #3
Ivory glazed ceramic, the boot’s body is painted with a flowery pattern, inspired by the phrase “Nhan sinh bach nghe” ("a hundred of professions”), symbolizing the prosperity of the professions of Vietnamese people.
Ceramic boot #4 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #4
Turquoise glazed ceramic with color overlay technique, coated with a layer of enamel, engraved with lotus & flower strings motifs, then overlaid with many other layers of enamel.
Ceramic boot #5 (2013) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #5
Turquoise glazed ceramic with a layer of enamel, engraved with lotus & flower strings motifs, overlaid with many other layers of enamel, thin threads of silver-encrusted toe box.
Ceramic boot #6 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #6
Brown glazed ceramic, using the color overlay technique, then engraved orchid motifs which symbolize the beauty of spring and are also a symbol of the spirit of freedom.
Ceramic boot #7 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #7
Ivory glazed ceramic, hand-painted with fish scales and a carp head, inspired by the ancient fairy tale "The Legend of the Dragon's Gate."
Ceramic boot #8 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #8
Ivory glazed ceramic, the great wave pattern hand-painted on the boot symbolizes the succession of generations.
Ceramic boot #9 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #9
Blue glazed ceramic, using the color overlap technique, reminiscent of the classic Western leather boots.
Ceramic boot #10 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #10
Ivory glazed ceramic, featuring a hand-painted "water-absorbing dragon" motif, symbolizing the transformation of a carp into a dragon.
Ceramic boot #11 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #11
Blue glazed ceramic, with motif of a “water spraying dragon”, symbolizes the spirit that always goes back to its origin.
Ceramic boot #12 (2010) by Bat Trang Museum, Vu Thang, sgnhA, and Do SyOriginal Source: Bat Trang Museum
Ceramic boot #12
Blue glazed ceramic, using the color overlay technique, peach blossom pattern.
"The Bat Trang Ceramic Boots" Exhibition #2 (2022) by Bat Trang Museum, sgnhA, and Do SyBát Tràng Museum
Exhibited at "The Bat Trang Ceramic Boots" (2022) - Hanoi
Inspired by the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Bat Trang pottery sacks, the exhibit features 12 leaning pillars made of fired-clay mortar, arranged in a circle with reflective acrylic sheets, creating a dynamic space showcasing 12 Bat Trang ceramic boots.
“The Bát Tràng Ceramic Boots” exhibition (2022) in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Hanoi is done with the sponsorship of Vingroup Innovation Foundation (VINIF) under the program for the preservation of historical and cultural values.
"The Bat Trang Ceramic Boots" Exhibition #6 (2022) by Bat Trang Museum, sgnhA, and Do SyBát Tràng Museum
Produced by Bat Trang Museum - Space designed by sgnhA - Exhibition identity designed by M-N Associates - Photographed by Đỗ Sỹ - Words by Phạm Quỳnh Châu -
