Bảo tàng lịch sử Quốc gia

Bat Trang ceramic was started in the 13^th – 14^th centuries AD. It was developed through the Nguyen dynasty (19th – 20th centuries AD.). The ceramic is diverse in type and style, including goods for ritual purposes (trays decorated with four sacred animals, phoenix, chrysanthemum, guardian statues, incense burners, lamp stands and so on) and goods for domestic uses (wine vases, water pipe bowls, lime stone vases and jars). The glazes vary such as cracked glaze, cracked glaze in combination with cobalt blue patterns, brown glaze, dark yellow glaze and polychrome glaze. Decorative patterns include four sacred animals (dragon, unicorn, tortoise, phoenix), four precious trees (pine, chrysanthemum, bamboo, apricot) or traditional motifs such as Bodhi leaves, repeated patterns and peacock feathers. In addition, some decorations express emotion and aspiration of the Viet people and reflect cultural exchanges with ceramics produced from China and other countries in the region. With such values, Bat Trang ceramic production has continually been maintained and developed. At present, Bat Trang ceramic products are not only popular in domestic market but also exported to many foreign countries, contributing actively to the preservation of the traditional culture and the development of the national economy.