Close Menu

Ceramic artisan Hoang Ngoc Hien: I want to bring Bien Hoa Ceramics far and wide

From a young age, Hoang Ngoc Hien lived in Hoa An Ward. Bien Hoa City had a passion for ceramics. Therefore, after graduating from high school, he chose Dong Nai College of Decorative Arts to improve his knowledge of the Ceramics industry. What is your dream, let’s find out with Viet Thanh Ceramics through the article below:

Artisan Hoang Ngoc Hien – Owner of Hien Nam Pottery Kiln, Hoa An Ward

This year, Dong Nai province welcomes good news with many projects to celebrate the 325th anniversary of the establishment and development of the land of Bien Hoa – Dong Nai (1698 – 2023). Coincidentally, that number is also the age of Bien Hoa Ceramics – one of the 14 most famous pottery villages in the country.

Far from the previous imagination, the Hien Nam pottery kiln is quite large. With a total area of about 500 square meters and there are 3 main areas, one is where you do the work of carving and shaping products; another area displays countless watercolors and brushes to decorate ceramics after they have been fired and dried; the other place to display finished products.

It seems that in the last days of the year, there are more Tet orders, so everyone works very enthusiastically. The painting of labor at Hien Nam pottery kiln really makes me admire and cherish, because the way they drop their souls into each handful of land is not just doing a daily job, it is the moments of sublimated artistic creation of real artisans.

1. What made you passionate about pottery since childhood?

Four Seasons Vase by artist Hoang Ngoc Hien

My hometown is in Nghe An, when I was 9 years old, my family and I moved to Dong Nai to live. Since I was a child, I have been in contact with some potters of Bien Hoa and watching them create ceramic products with many different colors every day, I went from being interested in learning to being passionate about it. So every time I have free time, I follow long-time potters to practice making simple pottery products and learn from experience.

Knowing that Bien Hoa pottery has a history of hundreds of years, once famous at home and abroad, I had a dream, later growing up to become a skilled potter, establishing my own workshop to specialize in producing high- class fine art ceramics. After that, Bien Hoa pottery products will be brought to pottery lovers in all regions of the country and exported abroad.

2. Having both talent and passion for fine ceramics since childhood, why did you not establish a ceramic production facility until 2013, when you were over 30 years old?

Although I have been studying fine ceramics since childhood and have been taught by some good artisans and craftsmen, I think I need to have more practical experience before establishing my own production workshop. Therefore, after graduating, I chose to work in a number of long-standing pottery establishments in Ho Chi Minh City. Bien Hoa to understand more secrets in the fine art pottery profession from the shaping stage to the glaze dipping stage and bring the pottery into firing to produce the desired unique colors. In 2013, when I had accumulated solid knowledge of ceramics and sufficient financial potential, I established Phu Hien Nam Ceramic Production Base in Hoa An Ward.

Owning a pottery facility is many times harder than being a skilled potter. I have to take care of creating unique fine ceramic products, finding a consumption market to have capital to maintain production. However, I am lucky that the factory’s products when introduced at exhibitions have been enthusiastically received by ceramic lovers. Since then, agents have come to me to order more and more.

3. Currently, in addition to domestic consumption, which countries in the world have your fine ceramic products reached?

My fine art ceramic products are divided into 2 schools: classic and modern. With the classical school, I focused on restoring and developing ceramic products: statues, paintings, reliefs, patterns. As for the modern school, I create high-class ceramic products intertwined between tradition and modernity to bring to exhibitions, introduce people to Bien Hoa ceramics and sell them when customers want to collect. Since establishing the pottery factory and turning it into a company, I have received a lot of orders from temples and temples across the country, agents, and companies.

The orders received, whether small or large, I put my heart and soul into implementing them with the desire to contribute to the preservation and development of Bien Hoa ceramics. Currently, the pottery products I produce, in addition to being consumed in the domestic market, are also exported to some European and ASEAN countries.

4. After many years working in the ceramic art profession, what do you find most interesting?

Artisan Hoang Ngoc Hien is sculpting his ceramic statue.

I choose the profession because I love and am passionate, so in the process of working, it always brings me a lot of fun. Every time a batch of pottery is enthusiastically received by customers, it is also a great joy for potters. There are ceramic works, it took me a long time to research and create to form and become a “unique” product that is highly appreciated by ceramic enthusiasts for its artistic value, willing to pay a high price to own, which is also a great encouragement. However, there are also some unique ceramic works, which I will keep as a souvenir and let customers come to Phu Hien Nam pottery facility to admire.

5. Bien Hoa pottery has gone through many ups and downs. According to you, if you want pottery to return to its “golden age” like many years ago, what do ceramic establishments need?

Artisans and good craftsmen have contributed to the development of Bien Hoa pottery to become one of the 14 most famous pottery villages in the country. Since the early decades of the twentieth century, Bien Hoa pottery has been exported to nearly 10 countries and territories. Although there are many times when Bien Hoa ceramics are in danger of disappearing, craft lovers have linked to bring to the market unique products that both inherit the characteristics of ancient Bien Hoa ceramics but also intertwine modern features to make the product more beautiful and attractive.

Pottery artist Hoang Ngoc Hien with his work

We, the next generation, continue to inherit and increase the value of Bien Hoa ceramics by exporting to about 30 countries and territories around the world. Over the past time, I have tried to associate with a number of companies to improve the quality and quantity of products, expand the consumption market for ceramic products.

6. Many ceramic establishments said that very few young people want to inherit and develop the traditional ceramic profession. In your opinion, what should be done to attract young people to follow and stick with the profession?

Wanting to become a good fine potter requires people to be talented, meticulous, diligent and able to endure hardship. Currently, many companies and factories have been established and need a large number of workers.

The work at the factories is lighter, the income is more stable than in the pottery profession, so many young people are not interested. However, in my opinion, there will still be young people who love the pottery profession and are willing to stick to the profession for a long time. The evidence is that many pottery establishments in Bien Hoa have been converted into companies, renting land in industrial clusters and building spacious factories, recruiting more workers to meet large orders from domestic and foreign partners.

I and the pottery establishments in Bien Hoa also continuously recruit and train more potters, in order to maintain and develop the craft village. At the same time, he seeks to instill passion and pride in Bien Hoa pottery for young people to bring the traditional profession to develop day by day. In addition, there must also be certain contributions to the preservation and development of traditional professions. I am lucky that my age and profession are not as much as some other good craftsmen, but I have been awarded the title of artisan. This will be a motivation to help me make more efforts in the profession to continue to restore, preserve and increase the value of Bien Hoa pottery, bringing Bien Hoa pottery farther and farther to many other countries.

7. Viet Thanh Ceramic Joint Stock Company is one of the leading units in expanding cooperation and association with Hien Nam Ceramic Factory.

Viet Thanh Ceramics Joint Stock Company, one of the leading units in the ceramic industry in Bien Hoa – Dong Nai, always focuses on expanding and strengthening strategic cooperative relationships. In this effort, we have established a strong link with Hien Nam Pottery , a reliable and reputable partner in the industry. This combination not only opens up opportunities for the exchange of technology and experience, but also improves the quality of products and services of both parties. We are committed to continuing to develop and expand this relationship to bring optimal value to customers and partners, and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s ceramic industry.

If you are interested and want to visit Hien Nam Pottery Factory, you will experience a traditional ceramic production space combined with modern technology. In addition, you can witness the process of making pottery with your own eyes and choose a favorite product for yourself!

Hien Nam Pottery: Bui Huu Nghia Street, Provincial Road 16, Hoa An Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai, Vietnam

Hotline: 0906922113

Viet Thanh Ceramic Corporation: 2431 Nguyen Ai Quoc, Hoa An Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai, Vietnam

Phuc Nguyen – General Manager – phucnguyen@vicerco.vn

Tel: (+84) 251 395 4312 – Hotline: (+84) 914 292 636

Tien Nguyen – Sale Executive – sale01.pottery@vicerco.vn

Hien Nguyen – Production Manager – hiennguyen@vicerco.vn

Tien Nguyen – Sale Executive – sale01.pottery@vicerco.vn

Trang Le – Sale Executive – trangle@vicerco.vn

Other news

Bien Hoa – Dong Nai Ceramics & Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025 Officially Opening

On the afternoon of April 27, 2025, the People’s Committee of Đong Nai Province officially launched the province’s first-ever Pottery Festival at the Provincial Event and Foreign Affairs Center, as part of the Đong Nai Ceramics & Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025. The event was graced by the presence of Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Ho Thanh Son, Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Vo Tan Duc, Vice Chairman Duong Minh Dung, along with other members of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee. In his opening speech, Vice Chairman Duong Minh Dung emphasized the profound cultural value of Bien Hoa pottery, which boasts a legacy of over three centuries intricately tied to this land. He highlighted the craftsmanship of Biên Hòa pottery, particularly the use of low-fire glaze techniques that result in elegant finishes. The “Crackled green copper glaze”, a source of immense local pride, was specially showcased alongside the region’s renowned black clay pottery with its natural aesthetic. With the aim of preserving and promoting the heritage of traditional pottery, and in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), as well as the upcoming 14th National Party Congress and the 12th Provincial Party Congress of Đong Nai, the province organized this vibrant cultural event. A Cultural Convergence with National and International Reach Bien Hoa – Dong Nai Ceramics & Hot Air Balloon 2025 Festival brought together pottery artisans and businesses from other provinces including Binh Duong, Quang Nam, Vinh Long, and Ninh Thuan. It was an opportunity to honor heritage, foster cultural exchange, and drive the sustainable development of the province. The event not only paid tribute to the traditional values and deep gratitude to generations of ceramic artisans but also marked

Viet Thanh Ceramics JSC – 40 Years of Crafting Vietnam’s Spirit in Global Ceramics

As the vibrant atmosphere of the Ceramic & Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025 unfolds, where earth, water, fire, and craftsmanship unite in celebration, Viet Thanh Ceramics Joint Stock Company (VICERCO) proudly takes part—showcasing ceramic masterpieces rich in Vietnamese heritage and global appeal. A 40-Year Journey of Passion and Excellence Founded in 1982, Viet Thanh Ceramics has spent over four decades building a legacy of quality, creativity, and cultural pride. From humble beginnings, VICERCO has grown into a leading manufacturer and exporter of high-quality ceramics and fine handcrafted products from Vietnam. By harmoniously blending traditional techniques with modern innovation, Viet Thanh Ceramics has successfully entered the international stage, exporting to demanding markets including Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Middle East. Their products are highly valued for their outstanding quality, elegant designs, and refined aesthetics. Certified Quality – Globally Recognized Standards To meet global standards, Viet Thanh Ceramics is committed to responsible production and sustainable growth. The company is proud to be certified by: Amfori BSCI: Ensuring ethical social responsibility in business operations. CTPAT: Meeting U.S. standards for secure and safe supply chains. These certifications affirm VICERCO’s dedication to global compliance, ethical manufacturing, and delivering trustworthy products to customers worldwide. Meet Viet Thanh Ceramics at the 2025 Festival At the Bien Hoa – Dong Nai Ceramic & Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025, VICERCO invites visitors to explore a unique exhibition space—where you can admire ceramic art, witness the crafting process firsthand, and engage in workshops and cultural experiences. It’s a chance to connect deeply with the craftsmanship and heritage that Viet Thanh Ceramics has nurtured for over 40 years. Viet Thanh Ceramics – Where Vietnamese Clay Becomes Art Image from Nong Nghiep Moi Truong News – 2025  

How to choose the right ceramic pot for each type of indoor and outdoor plants – Viet Thanh Ceramic

Ceramic pots are a popular choice for potting plants because they have good characteristics for plants such as water absorption, breathability, durability, and weather resistance. But not every plant can live in the same type of ceramic pot. So let’s find out with Viet Thanh Ceramics how to choose the right ceramic pot for each type of ornamental plant through the article below: 1. The importance of choosing the right ceramic pot for each plant Choosing the right pot for each plant offers many important benefits, including: Meet the needs of the plant: Each plant has different requirements for space, moisture, drainage, and root system. Choosing the right ceramic pot helps to meet these requirements, creating the best environment for the growth and health of the plant. Supporting drainage: The pot has good drainage, which helps prevent the plant from being flooded and the root system from rotting. This is especially important to avoid clogging and rotting of the root system. Keeping plants moisturized: Ceramic pots have better absorption and moisture retention than other materials such as plastic. This helps to maintain the necessary moisture for the root system and reduces the risk of the plant becoming dry. Protect the root system from high temperatures: Light-colored pots have the ability to reflect sunlight and reduce the surface temperature of the pot. This helps protect the root system from extreme temperatures and keeps the plant cooler in hot environments. Create decorative accents: Pots come in a variety of colors, textures, and shapes, helping to create a decorative accent for the space. Choosing a ceramic pot that is suitable for the décor and the type of plant will create a harmonious and attractive whole. Choosing the right ceramic pot for your plant has many benefits. 2. How to choose the right ceramic

Preventing cracks in ceramic pots when using – Viet Thanh Ceramics

Ceramic pots are made from clay and are fired at high temperatures, so they are usually very durable. However, when not properly cared for and stored, they can still crack and break. So let’s learn about preventing cracks in ceramic pots with Viet Thanh Ceramics through the article below: 1. Causes of cracked pots 1.1. Changing temperature too quickly When the pot undergoes a rapid change in temperature, such as from high to low temperature or vice versa, uneven expansion and contraction in the ceramic material can cause pressure and create cracks. When the pot undergoes a rapid change in temperature, such as from high to low temperature or vice versa, uneven expansion and contraction in the ceramic material can cause pressure and create cracks. 1.2. Strong impact Strong impacts can cause cracks or potted basins. This can happen when the pot is colliding with other hard objects or when the pot is dropped from a height. Strong impact will cause the pot to crack. 1.3. Non-uniform material If the ceramic pot is made from a heterogeneous material or has unevenness in the structure, it can easily crack when subjected to stress or temperature changes. 1.4.Lack of durability The pot may crack if it is not heated at a sufficiently high temperature or not fired properly. This can reduce the strength and cracking resistance of the pot. 1.5.Using damaged ceramic pots If the pot has been cracked or damaged before, continued use of it may result in widespread cracking. Poor quality ceramic pots will crack quickly. 1.6. Uneven impact force When the pot is subjected to uneven impact, such as when one part of the pot is heavier than the rest, it can cause uneven pressure and lead to cracking. 1.7. Improper manufacturing process If the production process is not

Ancient Bien Hoa pottery in the flow of time, the intersection between rustic and modern – Viet Thanh Ceramics

Ancient Bien Hoa pottery in the flow of time, the intersection between rustic and modern – Viet Thanh Ceramics Ceramics are the crystallization of cultural beauty, carrying many great meanings about the history of society through many stages. With the strong development of time, the life of ceramics in general has also gradually transformed to adapt to modern society. Modern household ceramics under the Bien Hoa pottery brand are a testament to the relentless efforts of minds and souls who love the beauty of ceramics. 1. Intersection of traditional and modern beauty Since ancient times, Ceramics have carried special historical and cultural values ​​typical of each ethnic group and region. In order not to be forgotten, over time, through different historical processes, Vietnamese ceramics in general, and Bien Hoa ceramics in particular, have gradually entered modern social life in a very unique way. Nowadays, it is not too difficult to see the image of Bien Hoa pottery appearing frequently in life. To enhance the aesthetics and luxury, Bien Hoa pottery is chosen by large commercial centers, guesthouses or even restaurants, hotels, cafes… to make their space more perfect and solemn. In daily life, Bien Hoa pottery has also cleverly embellished itself with unique beauty through convenience and aesthetics. It is a harmonious blend of the quintessence of ancient and modern pottery, the beauty of simple fine art pottery and the versatility of household pottery needed in modern life that is increasingly developing. A Vietnamese meal is not simply a place for everyone in the family to enjoy delicious dishes, but it is also an invisible bond between family members. Since then, meals have become a traditional cultural beauty of Vietnamese people through many generations. Carp turning into dragon plate made by Hien Nam Pottery Workshop Therefore, to embellish that beauty