Vietnam is one of my all time favorite destinations. The people, food, geography, are all draws. We've been looking to expand the range of items that we bring back from this region. Pottery is one of the next items that we plan on bringing back. It's a craft that is still very much rooted in tradition.
In parts of Vietnam—particularly regions influenced by the Mekong Delta—pottery has been made for hundreds of years using techniques that haven’t fundamentally changed. Shapes and finishes may evolve, but the core process remains the same.
And it shows in the work.
Built Slowly, By Hand
These pots aren’t thrown quickly on a wheel. They’re built gradually—by hand—over the course of weeks.
The clay itself is sourced locally, and its composition varies from region to region. That alone creates subtle differences in color, density, and finish.
Because of their size, the pots are formed in stages. The base must partially dry before additional layers are added, otherwise the structure would collapse under its own weight. Even today, a single pot can take close to a month to complete from start to finish.
Some are still entirely hand-built. Others begin with a handmade plaster form, which is then used to create molds—allowing for more consistency while still preserving the handmade character.
Fire, Heat, and Time
Once formed and dried, the pots move to the kiln.
This is where things get serious.
The kilns are large, often tunnel-like structures. Once loaded, the entrance is bricked shut and the firing process begins—lasting around five days. Temperatures vary depending on the type of clay and finish, ranging from roughly 700–800°C up to 1200°C.
At higher temperatures, the pots become incredibly dense and durable—more like stone than traditional terracotta.
After firing, the kiln isn’t opened right away. It takes another five to six days to cool before anyone can safely enter.
Even then, “safe” is relative.
Walking into one of these kilns while it’s being unloaded is something you don’t forget. The heat is still intense, and workers are inside, manually removing pots that can weigh well over 100 pounds. It’s physically demanding, hard work—done day in and day out.
Finish and Character
Once out of the kiln, the pots may go through additional finishing steps.
Some are left exactly as they come out—raw, textured, and marked by the firing process. Others are smoothed, sandblasted, or treated to refine the surface.
Certain finishes incorporate smoke and flame directly into the firing, creating darker, blackened tones that feel almost elemental. Others use glazes that highlight the natural variation in the clay.
No two are exactly alike—and that’s part of the appeal.
Originally Made to Be Used
These pots weren’t originally decorative.
They were functional objects—used to store water collected during the rainy season, or to hold grain after harvest. Built to last, they had to withstand both time and environment.
That durability is still there.
Unlike traditional terracotta, which is porous and prone to cracking in cold climates, these pots are fired at temperatures that make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use—even in freezing conditions.
A Natural Fit for Modern Spaces
Today, these pieces live a very different life.
They work equally well as statement planters, sculptural objects, or water features. Some are designed to sit in a basin where water recirculates over the surface. Others are self-contained, with water flowing over a lid and back into the vessel.
In both cases, the scale, weight, and texture make them feel substantial in a way that’s hard to replicate.
They don’t need much around them.
If you’ve been following along, you already know this is what we look for.
Not just objects—but process, history, and the people behind them.
That’s what makes something worth bringing home.
