In the mid- summer days of July, when the sunlight burns on the roofs of the red tiles of Bat Trang pottery village (Hanoi), behind traditional pottery workshops, a young generation is still busy between two worlds: the fiery pottery kilns and the computer screen.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Quang (25 years old, living in Bat Trang commune, Hanoi) shared: "Previously, my family only sold at the factory or through handicraft markets, so it was mainly tourists or regular traders. But now I have a Facebook fanpage, TikTok videos... Customers everywhere can easily order cups of tea and bottles from Bat Trang".
With a phone, a mini camera and a computer, Minh Quang not only maintains the traditional profession but also changes the way of doing the job. Bat Trang ceramics are now not only products displayed in stores but have become modern, environmentally friendly, highly personalized household items, suitable for people's lifestyle.
Every day, I have to both produce and process images to provide new model products to customers. Since then, many people have texted to buy and placed orders immediately. Handmade ceramics are no longer a luxury product but have become a familiar, soulful item. Through social networks, customers can feel the effort to make every small detail of the product" - Mr. Nguyen Minh Quang said.
Young people returning to the craft village is not simply about preserving the profession in the traditional sense, but is a modern continuation. By market thinking, they know what customers need, how to reach customers through social networking tools.
Minh Quang shared: By recording the entire creative journey - from the stage of preparing materials, shaping, carving, to processing fermentation and burning the furnace. I have helped viewers better understand the meticulous process behind each pottery product. The images, videos and online content are well-constructed, not only bringing an intuitive and vivid experience but also bringing a sense of closeness, helping potters feel the passion of the craftsman in every detail.
"Closing images of new model products also helps me convey traditional crafts, approach and meet customer needs," said Mr. Quang.
In the journey to preserve and develop the Bat Trang pottery profession, the young generation is proving that they are not only inheritors but also creators. They do not " frame" themselves in the old mold, but boldly experiment with new things, connecting tradition with modern technology.
Artisan To Thanh Son (residing in Bat Trang commune, Hanoi) - who has been in the profession for about 65 years - commented: "The young generation is working in a very different way, but the core thing is still to appreciate the value of the pottery craft. I am happy that they can do something that our generation never thought of: bringing Bat Trang pottery to the world... with just one click".
According to artist To Thanh Son, in the time-stamped space of Bat Trang pottery village, young hands are still diligently shaping the soil, breathing modern soul into each traditional product.
Not only inheriting the profession of their ancestors, Hanoi youth today are strongly transforming, bringing Bat Trang ceramics to digital platforms, approaching consumers in an unprecedented way in the history of the craft village.
