“The odyssey of Vietnamese ceramics” at Hue Imperial Citadel

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition opening

Nearly 200 typical antiques are being showcased, spanning from the prehistoric era to the 10th century, including Sa Huynh and Oc Eo ceramics; ceramic lines from the Ly - Tran dynasties such as Bat Trang, Chu Dau, and Phu Lang; the Le - Mac dynasties with Chau O and Quang Duc ceramics; and the rich Southern Vietnamese ceramic lines from the 17th - 19th centuries such as Lai Thieu, Bien Hoa, Cho Lon, and Cay Mai, etc. These antiques were selected from the collections of 49 collectors and museums, namely Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, Nam Hong Royal Museum, and the Huong River Ancient Ceramic Museum. Notably, the exquisite ceramic products of People's Artisan Tran Do (from Bat Trang pottery village) also contribute a unique highlight, demonstrating the continuous inheritance and innovation of modern Vietnamese ceramics.

According to Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, each ceramic artifact not only preserves historical and cultural imprints, but also reflects the skillful hands and the soul of Vietnam through each period. The exhibition is expected to ignite pride in the heritage and evoke a love for the pottery craft – an enduring symbol of Vietnamese identity. More than just an exhibition space, “The odyssey of Vietnamese ceramics” is also an opportunity for researchers and antique collectors to interact and exchange knowledge about a unique type of cultural heritage.

On this occasion, several collectors donated artifacts to Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. Among them, Mr. Nguyen The Hong, Director of the Nam Hong Royal Museum, donated a gilded bronze replica of the “Hoang de chi bao” (“Treasure of the Emperor”) imperial seal; and the Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Antiquities Association donated two lime pots – products of Phuoc Tich pottery village, dating from the 17th - 18th centuries.

The exhibition is open to visitors until July 26, 2025.

The following are some photos recorded at “The odyssey of Vietnamese ceramics” exhibition:

The Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Antiquities Association donated the lime pots - products of Phuoc Tich pottery village, dating from the 17th – 18th centuries

Listening to the introduction about history of the ceramic artifacts displayed at the exhibition

Distinctive ceramic artifacts from the Ly - Tran dynasties

Incense burner, teapot, and censer - Phu Lang ceramic artifacts, from the 17th – 18th centuries

A unique pair of Chu Dau dragon-phoenix ceramic vases