Society - Culture

Ceramics from the perspective of Vietnam-Japan commerce

Translated by HO THU • Sep 11, 2024 09:39

(QNO) - Vietnam (Dai Viet at that time) started to engage in trade with Japan through a trans-Pacific maritime network in the mid-14th century.

1.jpeg
An Akae jar, dating back to the 18th century, decorated with landscapes, figures, and floral motifs

The Japanese government granted "red-seal" licenses to merchant ships to trade abroad in the early 17th century. Between 1604 and 1634, 86 of the 130 red-seal ships permitted to do trade with Dai Viet operated in Hoi An.

2.jpeg
An Imari jar, dating back to the 18th century, decorated with landscapes, pine trees, and floral motifs

At that time, Vietnamese ceramics were highly favoured by the Japanese. In addition to meeting their practical needs, the Japanese imported ceramics from Vietnam to learn about its production techniques.

3.jpeg
A Kendi with blue floral patterns, featuring lotus flowers and continuous vine motifs, dating back to the 15th century, from the Fukuoka Art Museum

During the prosperous red-seal ships, many Japanese people stayed in Hoi An, including the Osawa Shirozaemon merchant family, who still possess several types of Vietnamese ceramics.

4.jpeg
A green-glazed ceramic bowl with embossed lotus petal motifs, dating back to the 14th century, exhibited at the Machida City Museum

The importation of Vietnamese ceramics into Japan occurred in four periods, from the 14th to the late 17th century.

5.jpeg
A Chu Dau ceramic jar, dating back to the 15th century, excavated from the Nakijin ruins, Okinawa Prefecture

During the red-seal ship period, Japan imported the most Vietnamese porcelain and pottery.

6.jpeg
Chu Dau ceramic plate with qilin decoration, dating back to the 15th-16th centuries, from the Machida City Museum

Nabeshima and Kutani porcelain products were only used by the upper class and nobility in Japan. Meanwhile, Imari and Kakiemon were widely exported to Europe and highly favoured by Asian dynasties, including the Nguyen dynasty in Vietnam.

High-end Japanese porcelain began to enter Vietnam in the 19th century.

Today, Japan continues to import a large amount of ceramics from other countries, and Vietnamese ceramics remain highly favoured by the Japanese.

Translated by HO THU