Hai Duong, Vietnam

2018

About

The village of Bat Trang has been home to renowned ceramic artisans for 1500 years. But today, factory-produced goods are diminishing the domestic demand for handmade goods. But for Ngat and her family, ceramic-making is more than a job–it’s a way of life that’s been passed down for four generations. Ngat was born and raised in Bat Trang, and today she runs a workshop that is helping preserve the village’s craft history while creating reliable local jobs. Since she began running the workshop, Ngat has helped provide stable incomes for many people in her community. And now at age 59, she is preparing to hand over the leadership to her son and daughter-in-law, ensuring that the next generation will continue to develop this time-honored traditional skill.

  • Hai Duong, Vietnam

    Vietnam is one of the most populous countries in the world and stretches along the coast of the South China Sea. Beginning in 1954, Vietnam was partitioned into two countries, and was reunified in 1976. Vietnam places a high value on education and has a literacy rate of 96%. Handcrafts are also highly valued as cultural treasures; over 2700villages in Vietnam are known as "craft villages" because they have specialized in a particular handcraft for hundreds of years.

Artisan Story

  • Ms. Mai
    Mai is a woman with an eye for detail and a talent for bringing out the beauty in every piece she touches. The workshop leaders say that Mai has a true gift for hand painting ceramics, a skill that allows her to create beautiful products for customers around the world. Mai says that she loves her job, which has enabled her to put her skill and passion to use to craft a better life for her husband and son.
  • Ms. Phuc
    Phuc is a veteran of the workshop who has built a strong foundation for her family through her work. Since she joined in 1995, her income has allowed her to be the primary provider for her family. It wasn’t always easy, but Phuc says she has never stopped loving her job and what it has brought to her life. Her children are now grown and married, and Phuc takes pride in the fact that she has been able to give them the life they deserve.