26Nov

DONG GIA BEYOND 16 YEARS PRESERVING THE LEGACY OF VIETNAMESE REACTIVE FIRING GLAZED

Born in Tien Giang in 2006, Dong Gia began as more than just a brand. It was a dream woven from over 30 years of mastery in reduction-fired glaze ceramics and an unyielding love for the craft. With a vision to nurture Vietnam's ceramic legacy, Phan Thi Thuy Mai and her husband, the artisan Francois Jarlov, embarked on a journey that neither could have imagined would shape their enduring success.
 

A Journey Forged by Fate
 

In 2004, amidst the echoes of an exhibition at the French-Vietnamese Cultural Exchange Institute and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, fate played its hand. Francois Jarlov, a ceramic artist whose heart burned with the fire of his craft, encountered Phan Thi Thuy Mai, a woman from the poetic land of Go Cong. Their meeting was no ordinary crossing of paths but a prelude to a love that would shape their lives and their artistry.
 

Their union took them to France, where Thuy Mai became partner in preserving and sharing the artistry of ceramics. Together, they journeyed across continents, presenting exhibitions and spreading knowledge. It was during this time that Francois’s devotion to the enigmatic reduction-fired glaze deepened—a glaze as storied and complex as the art itself. Inspired by the allure of resurrecting this ancient craft in the land of its roots, the couple dreamed of returning to Vietnam, armed with their shared passion and knowledge.
 

Crafting with Purpose
 

By 2008, dream became reality with the birth of Dong Gia. Nestled in the Mekong Delta of Go Cong, their first workshop stood as both a sanctuary for creation and a hub for innovation. Northern Vietnam’s kaolin-rich clay, renowned for its pliability and strength, became the cornerstone of their artistry. Meanwhile, Tân Lập’s red clay, earthy and distinct, brought life to their signature stoneware.
 

While Francois immersed himself in the meticulous process of research and creation, Thuy Mai carried their story to the world. At exhibitions in France, Germany, Japan, and Singapore, Dong Gia's ceramics earned acclaim for their exquisite craftsmanship and soulful artistry. Encouraged by this recognition, the couple expanded their vision. A second workshop rose in Bat Trang, sprawling across 1,100 square meters. Here, they uncovered the richness of Southern Vietnam's red clay, minerals from the Central Highlands, allowing them to redefine stoneware with unparalleled artistry.
 

Sixteen years of tireless dedication and quiet innovation have elevated Dong Gia to a place of prominence. Today, it is not merely a ceramics brand but a custodian of tradition, celebrated for its mastery of reduction-fired glaze and its unwavering commitment to craft.
 

Sustainability: The Soul of Dong Gia

If Dong Gia’s creations could be descriped in a single word, it would be sustainability. Every piece is shaped by hands steeped in expertise, fired to perfection at 1,300°C, and crafted with a harmony of creativity and heritage. Their eco-conscious approach—recycling materials, minimizing waste, and fostering environmentally sound practices—reflects a deep reverence for both craft and nature.
 

Beyond ceramics, Dong Gia shapes lives. Their workshops provide economic stability to skilled artisans, empowering them to uphold ancestral traditions. They sow seeds of inspiration among younger generations, cultivating a new wave of ceramicists committed to excellence.
Remaining attuned to modern aesthetics and functionality, Dong Gia consistently introduces innovative designs while maintaining its artisanal essence. This commitment, coupled with rigorous quality assurance and heartfelt customer care, underscores their philosophy of sustainable artistry.
 

Legacy Woven in Clay

Dong Gia does not rely on grand marketing campaigns to tell its story. Instead, its partnerships with esteemed establishments such as The Myst Saigon, Amanoi, and Pizza 4P’s speak of its authenticity. The hallmark of Dong Gia’s identity lies in the seal beneath every piece—a lotus in bloom beside a setting sun. This emblem, as Thuy Mai explains, embodies the symphony of East and West, blending cultural roots with artistic evolution to create timeless works of art.
 

For 16 years, Francois has returned to the workshop in his wife’s homeland, his passion as bright as the flames of the kiln. Each completed ceramic emerges not just as an object but as a piece of their shared history. Among their achievements is the revival of the blood-red glaze—a color of ancient grandeur, long lost since the Ming Dynasty.|
 

In a world embracing the modern ceramic renaissance, the emergence of countless brands and workshops signals hope. Yet, the enduring presence of a brand like Dong Gia—rooted in authenticity and cultural depth—serves as a vital bridge between history and future. They stand not only as guardians of Vietnam’s ceramic heritage but as testaments to the power of passion, patience, and purpose.

—Traditional and Development Magazine, October 2024—