The 2026 “Cham Pottery Product Design” competition organized by the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee is attracting participation from many creators. From those with many years of dedication to the craft to young people who love Cham culture, each brings their own ideas and approaches, helping to bring the value of Bau Truc pottery into products close to everyday life.
Dedication to ethnic heritage
Having been dedicated to the pottery craft for nearly 20 years, Mr. Phu Huu Kate (My Nghiep village, Ninh Phuoc commune) participated in the competition with two works, “Flow of Memories” and “Crossing the River”, in the interior decor and souvenir gift categories. To complete the two products, he spent 15 days focusing on his work, from shaping to detailing. Even though he has submitted two entries, he is still nurturing another new idea. The third product is expected to be about 50 cm high. Mr. Phu Huu Kate shared: “Through the competition, I want to express my creativity and mindset, while introducing more about Bau Truc Cham pottery making, the beauty in pottery products, and the unique culture of my people.”
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| Mr. Phu Huu Kate produces Cham pottery on a daily basis. |
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| The work “Flow of Memories” entered in the competition by Mr. Phu Huu Kate. |
Also in the interior decor product category, Ms. Chau Thi Tinh (58 years old, Bau Truc village, Ninh Phuoc commune) submitted the work “Bau Truc Fire Imprint” to the competition. Her participation along with other veteran artisans shows that the competition has attracted keen interest from the very community that is preserving and developing the pottery craft. Each work is a distinct choice of artistic expression, contributing the voice of artisans to the journey of finding new creative directions for Cham pottery products.
A fresh perspective from young people
Not only attracting craft practitioners, the competition also drew young people with a passion for Cham culture and traditional handicrafts. Van Vo Thuy Tram, currently a student in Ho Chi Minh City, entered the competition with the work “Cham Tower Flower Vase,” under the gift and souvenir category. Thuy Tram’s idea originated from Cham tower architecture—a distinctive cultural symbol. Selected architectural lines and motifs are expressed on the body of the vase. The product features a soft, stylized shape, leaning toward modernity while still retaining the rustic, natural charm of Bau Truc pottery. Beyond its aesthetic value, the vase also functions for floral arrangement or living space decoration. Thuy Tram shared: “Having visited and experienced Bau Truc pottery village firsthand, I gained insights to develop the concept for my entry. However, translating real-life impressions into a product that is both creative and expressive of the distinct characteristics of Bau Truc pottery was also a challenge. I spent two weeks brainstorming, developing the content, and finalizing the entry's design.”
Meanwhile, Do Le Thanh Nhi—a student majoring in Culture of Vietnamese Ethnic Minorities at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture—chose an approach closely tied to daily life with the entry “Bau Truc Pottery Coffee Filter.” Driven by a love for Cham culture and a passion for ceramic products, Thanh Nhi aimed to combine traditional materials with a familiar everyday item. This idea offers another perspective on the applicability of Bau Truc pottery in products for modern living.
A new development direction
The Dang Xem Artisan Bau Truc Pottery Production and Experience Facility household business also participated in the competition with the work “Soul of Pottery - Symphony of Heritage.” According to Ms. Dang Phu Nu Tra My (representing the contest team from the Dang Xem Artisan Bau Truc Pottery Facility), the concept of the G-B-T logo, derived from the name Bau Truc Pottery on the team’s products, had been formed earlier. Through the competition, the team hopes to develop this idea into functional ceramic products, helping to enhance recognition and promote Bau Truc pottery. Currently, the team is executing design blueprints and applying AI technology in the concept development process. Members have been assigned to specific crafting stages and are step-by-step finalizing the product.
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| Ms. Dang Phu Nu Tra My crafting a pottery product at the 2026 Bau Truc Cham Pottery Festival. |
From the works of artisans, practitioners, students to production facilities, it can be seen that the 2026 "Cham Pottery Product Design" competition has created opportunities for various groups to engage in creative expression on the foundation of Cham pottery culture. Each idea not only strives for innovation in form and functionality, but also reflects ways of preserving, inheriting, and spreading the craft village's values. Through the competition, the Organizing Committee hopes to find more creative and highly applicable ideas and designs, contributing to enriching Cham pottery products. This is also an occasion for those who love the craft and Cham culture to meet, exchange ideas, and contribute new approaches to ensure that Bau Truc pottery continues to have a presence in contemporary life.
THAI NGOC HUY
