{"id":1602,"date":"2023-11-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/battrang.museum\/?post_type=journal&p=1602"},"modified":"2025-11-24T17:03:40","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T10:03:40","slug":"ceramic-boots","status":"publish","type":"journal","link":"https:\/\/battrang.museum\/en\/journal\/ceramic-boots\/","title":{"rendered":"Ceramic boots"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1651821601313{background-image: url(http:\/\/battrang.museum\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/headline.jpg?id=1582) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][vc_empty_space height=”48rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][vc_empty_space height=”3rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]\r\n

Ceremic boots<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”1rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-md-5 vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]\r\n
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From the idea of a bespoke artwork to display at a cultural event, Artisan Vu Thang has created a series of masterpieces \u2013 12 ceramic boots, inspired by high fashion boots.<\/h4>\r\nMolding clay into boots is difficult but firing at 1200 degrees Celsius and keeping the shape intact is even more difficult. Despite having half a century of experience, he still had to try dozens of times, and it took six months of feats to find the solution. Overcoming the technical hurdles, he experimented with colors, tricks, and patterns. The creative inspiration did not end there. He continued to mix many new enamel colors and <\/span>applied<\/span> more complex and sophisticated techniques to the products.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

Article by Ph\u1ea1m Qu\u1ef3nh Ch\u00e2u\r\n<\/span>Photograph by \u0110\u1ed7 S\u1ef9<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″ offset=”vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-2 vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-offset-4 vc_col-xs-4″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md vc_hidden-sm”][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”892″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”6rem”][vc_empty_space height=”6rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2″][vc_column_text]Presented <\/span>at \u0110\u1eb9p Fashion Show in 2011, his works surprised <\/span>the audience<\/span> by the miraculously enchanting beauty of ceramic boots – an unexpectedly rustic material.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe boots are handcrafted one piece at a time, therefore every single boot is one – of – a kind<\/span>. 47.5 cm high, 17 cm wide, 2.5 kg weight, the heel and toe box of the boot are copper-coated to create stability.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u201c<\/span>The boot itself is already a beautiful shape with elegant curves<\/span>, so it just needs some additional patterns to become a perfect work\u201d, he said.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe traditional ceramic techniques, such as <\/span>embossed <\/span>patterns, <\/span>debossed <\/span>textures, and enamel color schemes, <\/span>are common ones.<\/span>. The same clay, the same kaolinite, the same mixing and color overlay techniques; however, to get to such a fanciful level requires decades of mastery experience. <\/span>Many natural materials such as dried lotus, silk, and silver yarn are combined to create the unique features for each work.\u00a0 Material diversity, exotic combination, virtuoso techniques, the twelve masterpieces in the end still embrace a pure and passionate soul of Vietnamese pottery.<\/span>. With such diversity, nevertheless, those twelve shades still embrace a pure and passionate soul of Vietnamese pottery.<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor those reasons,<\/span> Vu Thang’s twelve boots can be seen as the meeting of tradition and modernity, marking the beginning of the relationship between ceramics and fashion.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”6rem”][vc_empty_space height=”6rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1604″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#1<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Brown-Glazed Ceramic Boot with Floral Motifs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Brown-glazed ceramic boots using a dry glaze to create an imitation bronze surface. Engraved lotus and chrysanthemum floral motifs recall the brown-glazed ceramics of the L\u00fd\u2013Tr\u1ea7n dynasties (11th\u201314th centuries). Wooden beads and silkworm cocoons are incorporated as subtle decorative accents, adding a tactile contrast to the piece.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1609″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#2<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Turquoise-Glazed Ceramic Boot with Floral Motifs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

A turquoise-glazed ceramic boot featuring engraved lotus and chrysanthemum floral motifs characteristic of Vietnamese ceramics. Multiple layers of glaze are applied to create a sense of spatial depth across the surface. Dried lotus calyx, wooden beads, and lacquered silkworm cocoons are added to the body and toe as rustic decorative accents.<\/p>\r\n\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1611″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#3<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Ivory-Glazed Ceramic Boot with \u201cHundred Flowers\u201d Motifs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Finished in B\u00e1t Tr\u00e0ng\u2019s signature ivory glaze, the boot is hand-painted in an ancient indigo tone with the \u201chundred flowers\u201d motif\u2014an interpretation inspired by the phrase nh\u00e2n sinh b\u00e1ch ngh\u1ec7<\/i>. The composition evokes the vibrant diversity of Vietnam\u2019s traditional crafts through its lively array of blossoms.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1613″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#4<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Turquoise-Glazed Ceramic Boot with Floral Motifs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Blending engraved lotus and chrysanthemum floral motifs with the layered-glaze technique, this turquoise-glazed ceramic boot reveals natural, unpredictable interactions between carved lines and shifting glaze tones. A subtle gradient from the collar to the toe enhances the sense of visual depth, making each piece truly one of a kind.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1615″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#5<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Turquoise-Glazed Ceramic Boot with Silver Detailing<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Combining engraved floral motifs with the signature layered-glaze technique, this turquoise-glazed ceramic boot is distinguished by a silver-detailed collar. Fine silver threads are drawn, shaped into floral forms, and set onto the ceramic surface, creating a luminous contrast against the glaze.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1617″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#6<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Layered-Glaze Ceramic Boot with Orchid Motifs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

A brown, layered-glaze ceramic boot featuring engraved orchid motifs\u2014symbols of spring and a free-spirited grace. The orchids are carved with elegant lines and highlighted by a brown-to-deep-blue gradient created through the artisan\u2019s distinctive multi-layer glazing technique.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1619″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#7<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Ivory-Glazed Ceramic Boot with Carp Motifs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

An ivory-glazed ceramic boot painted in an ancient indigo tone on\u00a0 <\/span>a light-toned ceramic body. The carp head at the toe and the meticulously rendered fish scales along the form reference the legend of \u201cCarp Leaping Over the Dragon\u2019s Gate,\u201d a classic motif adapted into a contemporary object.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1621″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#8<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Ivory-Glazed Ceramic Boot with \u201cThu\u1ef7 Tam Waves\u201d Motif<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Painted in an ancient indigo tone on an ivory-glazed surface, the \u201cthu\u1ef7 tam waves\u201d motif symbolizes continuity, prosperity, and the interwoven flow of generations. Drawing from the aesthetics of East Asian blue-and-white ceramics, the composition forms a refined dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and a contemporary boot silhouette.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1623″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#9<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Layered-Glaze Ceramic Boot with Lime Blossom Motifs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

The layered-glaze technique is used with restraint, creating a subtle backdrop for the engraved lime blossom motifs arranged in a seamless mesh pattern along the form. The composition carries a gentle echo of classic Western leather boot aesthetics.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1625″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#10<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Ivory-Glazed Ceramic Boot with \u201cDragon Drawing Water\u201d Motif<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Painted in an ancient indigo tone on a light-toned ceramic body, this ivory-glazed ceramic boot features the \u201cdragon drawing water\u201d motif\u2014derived from 14th-century Tr\u1ea7n Dynasty dragon imagery\u2014rendered in elegant, expressive lines. As a companion to the carp-themed boot, it completes the narrative arc of the carp leaping the Dragon\u2019s Gate and transforming into a dragon.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1627″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#11<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Layered-Glaze Ceramic Boots with \u201cLong H\u00ed Th\u1ee7y\u201d Motifs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Refined through engraved detailing and layered-glaze techniques, these ceramic boots reveal a surface with natural variations. The \u201clong h\u00ed th\u1ee7y\u201d motif\u2014rooted in Nguy\u1ec5n Dynasty dragon imagery\u2014captures the sinuous, majestic movement of the dragon, symbolizing a spirit that continually returns to its origins.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” el_class=”.grid-collection”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-2 vc_col-xs-8″][vc_single_image image=”1629″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″ offset=”vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text el_class=”no-indent”]\r\n

#12<\/span><\/h2>\r\n \r\n

Layered-Glaze Ceramic Boots with Peach Blossom Motifs<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Crafted through a combination of engraved detailing and layered-glaze techniques, these ceramic boots unfold as a multicolored composition highlighted by vibrant peach blossom motifs. Recognized by the Vietnam Guinness Record Organization in 2013, this pair is noted as the largest ceramic boots in the country.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”2rem”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”6rem”][vc_empty_space height=”6rem” el_class=”hide-mobile”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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Four Women Designers in Dialogue with Ceramic Heritage<\/h4>\n \n\t
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