Moving through...

Hi everybody,

In the upcoming weeks we will explain you words related to “Vietnamese potteries”. Last week, we explained how the Vietnamese developed their pottery skills and how it is shared and spread through the whole country. So, Vietnamese potteries stands for pottery designed and/or produced in Vietnam.We have picked some words and this week's words are: Vietnam, Ceramic, Kaolinite, Earthenware and Stoneware.

Vietnam is a country in South- East Asia. The country is bordered by China in the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest and the South China Sea to the east. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam)

Ceramic comes from the Greek word κέραμος (keramos) which is “potter’s clay, tile, pottery”. The solid is prepared by the action of heat and subsequent cooling. The earliest ceramics made by humans were pottery objects made from clay. Later glazing became part of the process to create a smooth colored surface. However, there are many different kinds of ceramics, our focus will be mainly on whiteware ceramics, earthenware and stoneware.

Kaolinite, the traditional ceramic raw material comes from clay minerals such as kaolinite (kaolin).

Terracotta (Earthenware) 

Earthenware, a generic composition of earthenware is ball clay, kaolin, quartz and feldspar. Earthenware that has been transported by moving water moves a long distance before it is settled in a river bed. While the earthenware is moving, it picks up minerals and materials. Earthenware is low- fire clay and is often white or gray, unless it is glazed. Also earthenware is commonly used to create Terracotta pots, planters etc.

Stoneware, a generic composition of stoneware is plastic fire clays, ball clays, quartz, feldspar and chamotte. Stoneware is hard and durable clay. The natural colors vary from light grey or tan to dark grey or chocolate brown, unless it is glazed.

Ironstone (Stoneware) 

That was it for today hope you all have enjoyed it and see you next week!

Rosa Planters Vietnam

P.S. Come visit our online showroom and log in for more information (www.rosaplanters.com).

Source: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/clay.html

History of Vietnamese ceramic and earthenware

Where it all began...

Vietnam is one of the countries with a long history with ceramic and earthenware. Vietnamese potteries were an essential part of the trade between Vietnam and its neighbors during feudalistic times, during many dynasties.

The techniques was brought by the Chinese, Hoang Quang Hung. He observed people drinking out of the river and taught them how to make a large water storage pot. One of the students, Truong Trung Ai, was able to become highly skilled and he went back to teach his fellow villagers. 

The techniques spread through the country and Vietnam went on to become so esteemed in ceramic production. The country had potters with great skills and it has many deposits of the basic ingredient, kaolin.

For hundreds of years traders have been honoring their skills and the global world of international trade. What we see today was not different in the past, research and examination of old pieces across Asia reveals that the designs of the items were given by the importer and were made specifically for export to a single area. 

The kilns were copied by entrepreneurs, who made samples or drawings to pass it on for a lower price and the producers had become sufficiently competent and confident to stamp their own identity on their work. Experts examined small details to be able to recognize the Vietnamese identity. 

In the fifteenth and sixteenth century the favorite items were bottles, jars, bowls etc. and glazed tiles as wall decorations for the Indonesian market. These days were very successful for the Vietnamese ceramic exports.

Nowadays, we continue share skills and knowledge about Vietnamese potteries to different generation  to keep the history, that became a part of our culture, alive.

Rosa Planters Vietnam

Source:http://www.seapots.com/home/index.php?page=vietnam

Rosa Planters Vietnam have moved

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Rosa Planters Vietnam Potteries

Initially based in the ancient tradition of ceramics and terracotta developed in Vietnam during centuries, we have included modern organization and quality control that ensures complete satisfaction to our customers. Our production in light weight materials is also giving the trend to the market and giving to our customers an increasing demand items in a trustable quality.

Some of our products:

Terracotta: Sustainable Production in Vietnam #3

 The firing temperature for Terracotta is between 800 and 900 degrees, much lower than for other materials and the kilns are built with bricks produced in the same kilns

Terracotta: Sustainable Production in Vietnam #2

The Kilns are fired entirely with rice husks, the outermost layer of the rice grain which is usually removed from the rice. An other renewable source.