Behind every elegant bowl or rustic cup lies a timeless journey — one that begins with raw earth and ends in your hands. Handmade pottery is not just about the final piece. It’s about the process: slow, mindful, and rooted in tradition. At Thanh Thi Pottery, each product carries the touch of our artisans and the spirit of Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Step 1: Sourcing the Clay

The journey of handmade pottery starts from the ground — quite literally. The right type of clay is essential. At Thanh Thi, we work with high-quality earthenware and stoneware clays sourced from local Vietnamese regions, chosen for their plasticity, color, and strength after firing.

Step 2: Wedging – Preparing the Clay

Before it can be shaped, the clay is kneaded by hand to remove air bubbles and ensure a consistent texture. This step, called wedging, is crucial to avoid cracks or warping during the firing stage. It’s a labor of patience and precision.

Step 3: Shaping on the Wheel or by Hand

Now the artistry begins. Using a traditional potter’s wheel or hand-building techniques, artisans shape the clay into its desired form — whether a teacup, bowl, or incense holder. Every movement is deliberate, and no two pieces come out exactly the same.

Step 4: Drying & Trimming

The freshly shaped pottery is left to dry slowly over several days. Once leather-hard, artisans trim and refine details, smoothing surfaces and adjusting proportions. It’s during this stage that the character of the piece fully comes to life.

Step 5: First Firing (Bisque)

Once dried, the pottery is fired in a kiln at temperatures over 900°C. This first firing — known as bisque firing — hardens the clay and prepares it for glazing.

Step 6: Glazing & Decoration

Here comes the magic of color. Glazes made from natural minerals are brushed, dipped, or sprayed onto the bisque piece. Some pieces remain simple and earthy; others receive delicate brushwork or stamped motifs that reflect Vietnamese culture.

Step 7: Final Firing

The glazed pieces are fired again at even higher temperatures — up to 1,250°C — to melt the glaze and fuse it to the ceramic body. The result? Durable, food-safe pottery with a rich, nuanced finish.

Why This Process Matters

Each step in the handmade pottery process adds value — not just in time and effort, but in soul. At Thanh Thi Pottery, our pieces are made to last, to be used, and to be loved. When you drink from one of our handmade mugs, you hold in your hand hours of craftsmanship and generations of knowledge.

Experience It for Yourself

We invite you to explore the full journey of handmade pottery by visiting our workshop or browsing our online store. Whether you’re looking for functional ware or collector’s pieces, Thanh Thi Pottery offers a piece of Vietnam’s living tradition — shaped by hand, fired with heart.

🌐 Visit us at thanhthipottery.com

Handmade pottery is not just made. It’s nurtured, fired, and cherished.

📍 Visit Us At:

• Thành Thị Pottery: 193 Lý Thường Kiệt, Hội An, Vietnam

• Tám Kim Ceramics: 32 Bạch Đằng, Hội An, Vietnam

📞 Hotline/Zalo/WhatsApp: +84 934 745 745
📧 Email: thanhthi.potteryvn@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.thanhthipottery.com
📸 Instagram: @thanhthipottery