Harmonizing the traditional quintessence with scientific and technological progress

Born and raised in the ancient pottery village of Bat Trang (Hanoi), the 15th child in Ha Huu family - one of the 19 original families famous for pottery, Ms. Ha Thi Vinh, Director of Quang Vinh Pottery Ltd., always believes that pottery is a traditional profession. The following generations must always be grateful to their ancestors for the profession.

In an interview with Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, Ms. Ha Thi Vinh maintains her point of view that, for the pottery profession, from the most talented craftsman to the clumsiest person, all must follow the precise steps of pottery.

“Pottery requires elegance, knowledge. In the past, craftsmen have drawn a lot of valuable experiences from previous generations, through vocational training, continuing traditions to preserve such experiences, studies and put them into production", said Ms. Vinh.

Vietnam has long been in the process of globalization. Pottery is no different: it requires exchange, study as well as suitable solutions, advanced science and technology application to improve product quality, reduce production costs and minimize risks.

“Human factor will always be the most significant when it comes to craftsmanship or handmade pottery products. Pottery requires educated craftsmen with profound knowledge in the profession to excel" said a representative from Quang Vinh pottery brand.

According to Ms. Ha Thi Vinh, Bat Trang pottery can described with a picture of "a myriad of blooming flowers". Each brand will have its own trait and quintessence. Quang Vinh pottery products are clearly distinguishable from other products on display here. Members of the Quang Vinh pottery family will be able to study abroad and focus on research to create products of high technical and artistic nature.

“For example, the ultra-thin, ultra-light pottery line is one of the OCOP 5-star product lines, launched for the international market and sold in 30 countries around the world. 95% of these products are for export to international markets”, shared the Director of Quang Vinh Pottery Company.

“From pottery we have made a fortune for the family. From pottery, our children and grandchildren have jobs, food, clothing, warmth and joy. Our forefathers have left us a very precious profession", said Ms. Ha Thi Vinh.

Accordingly, the success of Quang Vinh pottery is to create products of high quality, favored by the world market, and loved by international consumers.

Making such quality products requires workers with high technical skills as well as the application of advances in science and technology.

Advances in science and technology have helped Quang Vinh pottery to launch different product lines with more technical and artistic content. Consequently they affirmed the position of a sophisticated and artistic handicraft product.

The application of such science and technology will also help the Company save on costs as well as fuel and input materials. Additionally, the Company has raised the value of output products to a new height in the international market with the application of high technology in products with delicate and unique designs.

Conquering 30 world markets

With over 30 years of experience in exporting pottery products to the international market, in addition to production research for breakthroughs, Quang Vinh cmpany also has staffs thoroughly trained in marketing, serving the study of foreign markets.

The Company organizes foreign trade promotion programs as well as participates in many fairs every year. Namely, the Frankfurt Fair is held in Germany in February every year. This is one of the largest fairs in the world for handicrafts and fine pottery. In addition, Quang Vinh pottery often participates in fairs in Hong Kong in October, Tokyo fairs (Japan), Paris fairs (France), etc.

“This is one of the works that Quang Vinh Company actively participates in to promote products to fastidious markets around the world. We also utilize commercial consultation channels of other countries to find markets”, said Ms. Ha Thi Vinh. 

After establishing a prestigious and quality brand foundation in the market, many customers have sought out Quang Vinh pottery. Therefore, the Company has always been operated knowing that it is necessary to understand the current position of Quang Vinh products in the market.

In addition, it is also necessary to understand the trends and needs of the market in the future. The comanpy must research even the smallest features and details in the interior design of the consumers' country including the wall paint color, the background color, ceiling design and so on, to provide suitable pottery products.

Each country will have its own cultural and ethnic identity. The difficulty of manufacturers and exporters of handicrafts lies in how to make their products fit the tastes of the market as well as touch the hearts and emotions of consumers. 

“All of that requires research. Therefore, the marketing department and the technical department of Quang Vinh Company always work closely together to seize the initiative and offer products that meet the requirements of the market", said Ms. Ha Thi Vinh.

Diligently preserving the national culture

According to Ms. Ha Thi Vinh, production in craft villages is among the weaker economies because this is not an industrial production field, not a key economic spearhead that the State will focus on in the future.

Director of Quang Vinh Pottery Co., Ltd. said that the State and Government have given priority but still not high enough for this weak economy. Meanwhile, Vietnam has a large number of craft villages across the country. Namely, Hanoi has 1,350 craft villages, 308 traditional craft villages.

“It is an extremely valuable national culture. It is also the economy of the rural areas - an important factor in maintaining social security in rural areas. Moreover, craft villages are in charge of preserving the Vietnamese cultural identity, preserving the cultural identities that have existed since ancient times, passed down for generations. Despite hardships, craftsmen still love their ancestors' craft and are diligent to preserve as well as develop it. They don't give up their jobs, which is extremely precious and commendable", shared Ms. Ha Thi Vinh.

As an affirmation that cultural identity is the profound greatness of each nation, she expressed: "We hope that the State, the Government as well as the public and local authorities pay more attention to promote the craft village economy. So that the children in the craft villages do not leave their hometowns; so that we can motivate the younger generations, train them with profound knowledge about the profession so that they can make a fortune right in their own hometown.”

Translated by Nguyen Hai Long