The family of artisan Phạm Văn Thắng currently lives in Phù Lãng, a village on the bank of the Cầu River in Quế Võ District, Bắc Ninh Province, nearly 60 kilometres from central Hanoi. The village is known for its pottery-making tradition of almost 800 years, alongside Bát Tràng and Thổ Hà ceramics.
Once a lively craft village engaged in both production and trade, Phù Lãng pottery has undergone many changes in form and design in response to shifts in the market mechanism and the needs of contemporary life. Yet today, it is gradually disappearing from everyday life, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Even so, the spirit of the people, the soul of the village, and the esoteric values accumulated over generations continue to smoulder quietly within each pottery-making family in Phù Lãng.
In early 2025, I organised a small exhibition, displaying images and objects that described the process through which a ceramic work comes into being in Phù Lãng. As part of the exhibition, artisan Phạm Văn Thắng also came to speak with those who were interested.
This display space is an expression of the perspective, reflections and appreciation I wish to dedicate to the family of artisan Phạm Văn Thắng in particular, and to Phù Lãng pottery village in general. Through this project, I hope to connect Mr Phạm Văn Thắng with those who care about, and hold a love for, ceramics and the work of pottery production in Phù Lãng.
… because from the vernacular, everything is beautiful…
