My Thien pottery: A 200-year-old heritage in central Vietnam

My Thien Pottery Village, located in Binh Son District, Quang Ngai Province, was established in the late 18th century by potters migrating from Thanh Hoa Province, north-central Vietnam.

The current Quang Ngai Province is a combination of the former Quang Ngai Province and neighboring Kon Tum Province, effective from July 1.

The village now has only one artisan family devoted to preserving its legacy.

According to village elders, the founding artisans—Pham Cong Dac and Nguyen Cong At—settled along the banks of the Tra Bong River, drawn by the area's rich, pliable clay ideal for pottery making.

From humble beginnings, My Thien pottery flourished. 

Its products not only served local communities but they were also traded widely across central Vietnam, the Central Highlands, and even exported to Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand.

At its peak, the village housed over 50 kilns firing day and night. 

During the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), My Thien pottery was commissioned for use in royal rituals and daily life in the imperial court.

In the 19th century, the pottery trade contributed to the prosperity of the former Chau O region.

What makes My Thien pottery unique is its adherence to traditional handcrafting methods  bpreserved for over 200 years.

The main material—local clay—is dried, sifted, and thoroughly kneaded before being shaped manually using a foot-powered wheel.

Artisans decorate each piece with distinctive embossed motifs featuring dragons, phoenixes, bamboo, mice, and other zodiac animals, giving the ceramics an artistic touch rarely seen in other central Vietnamese folk pottery.

A defining feature of My Thien pottery is its double-firing technique using wood. 

The first firing creates a ceramic base, while the second, done after glazing, gives the pottery its characteristic colors—usually earthy yellow, reddish-brown, or jade green.

The entirely handcrafted process results in pieces that are both durable and aesthetically rustic, closely tied to daily life.

The last artisan tirelessly keeps the craft alive

Today, the once-thriving village has largely faded. Only one household—that of artisan Dang Van Trinh and his wife Pham Thi Thu Cuc—continues the tradition.

For over 30 years, they have poured their passion into clay, preserving ancient patterns and techniques handed down through generations.

“I fear that one day the fire will go out and people will forget that My Thien once had a glorious past in pottery,” Trinh said.

“We do this not just to earn a living, but out of love for the craft and respect for our ancestors.”

Beyond production, the couple open their home to visitors, showcasing their work and teaching local youth the skills of the trade.

With deep dedication, Trinh hopes future generations will continue the legacy of My Thien pottery.

For him, the recognition of My Thien pottery as national intangible cultural heritage is not only an honor but also a new opportunity to revive and sustain the village’s rich ceramic tradition.