Gia Thuy pottery village is located in Gia Thuy commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province, a traditional pottery village with more than 50 years of age, not only preserving traditional cultural values but also contributing to the development local economic, creating jobs for hundreds of workers.
To make a finished ceramic product for consumers, the workman must do many stages and the role of every stage is important. Even the seemingly simple stages such as land preparing also require workers to be meticulous, skilled, observant and creative.
Thuy was chosen to develop pottery is because it has a characteristic clay, suitable for pottery. The specialty of Gia Thuy pottery is made from yellow-brown clay, which is available in local and only in craft villages. This type of type has high cohesion, smoothness, and good heat resistance. When collected, the soil will be dried, crushed and put into the immersion tank. Then, use the machine to stir and then scoop through the sieve. Decant the water above, take out the condensed soil to dry, until it reaches enough flexibility to work. Exposing the soil also requires great care, because if it is too dry or too wet, it will be difficult to shape. Therefore, when drying, workers must regularly observe the dryness of the soil.
After drying, the soil will be brought into the factory to make more puree to create more glue and more smooth when molding. Through the skillful hands of a skilled worker, the soil has transformed itself into shape, into blocks, has a pleasant outline and hides the soul of the Gia Thuy craftsman. Depending on the type of product, the worker will mold the soil according to different patterns. Usually, to make jars, workers will shape the soil into long and round fibers so that it can be easier to put on the turntable. It is also important to keep firewood in the kiln. To produce a beautiful and quality product, the firing process plays a decisive role. If during the firing process, the worker does not adjust the fire, adjust the temperature appropriately, the product will curve, warp or crack...
Inheriting the quintessence of visual arts, the cultural characteristics of land, Gia Thuy pottery artists know how to create pottery products that not only serve daily life but also honor the unique cultural values of our nation. Over many years of ups and downs, Gia Thuy pottery is still standing and growing strongly. Products are consumed domestically and exported to foreign countries.
Source: Hai Van; Photo: Xuan Lam
