Chu Dau ceramics and the journey to promote Vietnamese cultural quintessence

Chu Dau village is located in Thai Tan commune, Nam Sach District, Hai Duong city, about 80 km from the North West of Hanoi. Chu Dau ceramics are high-class Vietnamese ancient ceramics representing “the rice civilization” dated from the 13th century and were honoured as “Royal symbol products” at the end of 17th century.

“Hoa Lam” and 'Ty Ba' vases, two typical products of Chu Dau ceramic
“Hoa Lam” and 'Ty Ba' vases, two typical products of Chu Dau ceramic

Each Chu Dau product conveys a lot of meaningful messages as well as typical characteristics in style, colour of glaze, and sophisticated patterns, which are rich in Vietnamese culture.

Chu Dau Ceramic holds an important position in the history of Vietnamese handicrafts and has been a traditional craft for hundreds of years which is currently being preserved and promoted by Chu Dau Ceramic JS Company - a member of BRG Group.

“Hoa lam” vase: With a round shape symbolizing the sky, a cylinder shape symbolising the straightforward man who is bread-winner in the family and society.

According to many documents, the ancestor of Chu Dau ceramics was talented business woman Bui Thi Hy, who lived in the 15th century. Thanks to the discovery of her writing on the “Hoa lam” ceramic vase at Topaki Sarray Museum, Istanbul, Turkey, the history of Chu Dau Ancient ceramic was discovered in 1980.

Nowadays, Chu Dau ceramic articles are being carefully preserved and displayed at 46 famous museums in 32 countries in the world, including Tokyo (Japan), Istanbul (Turkey), and New York (the US). The “Hoa Lam” Chu Dau ceramic vase has also been among four Turkish national treasure. Chu Dau ceramic products have been exported to about 30 countries and territories in the world.

After many historical ups and downs, realising the meaning and value of Chu Dau ceramics, in 2001, Hanoi Trade JS Corporation (Hapro), a member company of BRG Group, decided to establish Chu Dau Ceramic JS Company with the mission of restoring the Chu Dau ancient ceramic line which was lost more than 400 years ago.

With their talent and creativity, the artisans of Chu Dau Ceramic JS Company have successfully revived Chu Dau ancient ceramics and created thousands of the products, revitalising and upgrading Chu Dau ceramics to meet the expectation of clients at home and abroad. Currently Chu Dau Ceramic products are widely used as normal gifts, household items, decorations, collections, etc; or gifts as a Vietnamese cultural symbol used by the Government, organizations and enterprises in important diplomatic events.

“Ty ba” vase: Shaped like a musical instrument of Vietnam, symbolising the land. The body of the vase is painted with patterns of four seasons: Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter, meaning the four seasons of peace.

With the uniqueness of the product and the efforts to revive and develop premium Chu Dau ceramics rich in Vietnam culture, Chu Dau Ceramic JSC had the honour to receive the award from the top – ranking General Vo Nguyen Giap with nine golden words "Chu Dau Ceramic – the Essence of Vietnamese national culture” and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc with 10 golden words "Chu Dau Ceramic - Vietnamese National character, shining over 5 continents”.

Nguyen Thi Nga, President of BRG group cum Hapro group, plans to make Chu Dau Ceramic become one of the national symbols

In its orientations for development, BRG Group will continuously promote the export of strong products of Hapro such as agricultural products, processed food and handicrafts, including Chu Dau ceramic products which represent the typical tradition and culture of Vietnam. Nowadays, Chu Dau Ceramic products have achieved an important position in the domestic market.

Following the success of the business woman Bui Thi Hy, under the direct and enthusiastic leadership of the business woman - President of BRG group cum Hapro group - Nguyen Thi Nga, BRG Group will focus on developing and bringing Chu Dau ceramics to become one of the national symbols through the production of Chu Dau products in their original style, which are kept in museums in the world as well luxury gift sets rich in Vietnamese culture, increasing the export to many countries around the world, contributing to the promotion of Vietnamese culture to international markets.