HÀ NỘI — Ceramic objects depicting sacred animals from Vietnamese culture are on display at an exhibition at the Việt Nam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hà Nội.

Linh Thú Ngày Nay (Sacred Animals Nowadays) presents more than 30 artworks created by Trần Nam Tước, who has pursued the subject of sacred animals since he made acquaintance with pottery and ceramic making 32 years ago.

On display are most of his best works created over the decades, including a unicorn, worshipping horse, dragon and lion.

One of his most favourite objects is the work Linh Kê which was inspired by the image of the Mandarin Duck – a creature that is the symbol of symbol of faithfulness and love. However, Tước has added the chicken comb on top, and carved a rich peony pattern on its body, creating a new and artful version.

‘Linh Kê’ is one of artisan Tước’s most favourite pieces. — Photo phatgiaodoisong.vn

According to the artist, the versatility of the clay material allows him to create different shapes. The most challenge is to make the objects soulful, at the same time present the artist’s distinctive style.

Although Tước has applied the traditional techniques on ceramic making, he has been creative in forming the shape as well as in using the colours of ceramic glaze.

He said that a perfect work has got through a sophisticated process of seven steps.

First, the artisan needs to draw a sketch that he has created based on folktales. The sketch then will be developed more details, which are then necessary for a 3D design. Next will be the mold making, producing, glaze coating and baking.

“I’ve been through different feelings when I see my works completed," Tước said.

"Sometimes I burst into joy because the products came out the kiln exactly like what I’ve expected. And sometimes I was disappointed when the products got failed.

It was when the objects get crack during the baking process or the glaze shade is not as my expectation.”

‘Lân Sư’ is among more than 30 works displayed at the exhibition. — Photo phatgiaodoisong.vn

However, the failure is not something rare, “because it is not always to have a perfect product in the first attempt.”

Whenever the artist creates a new object, “the only thing I’ve been thinking about is how to let people see the ethnicity and authenticity in those products."

“In the old days, objects depicting the sacred animals can only be seen in religious venues, presenting a solemn spirit. But, at present, those kinds of objects are more applicable and can be used as decorative objects,” he added.

Tước hopes his artworks can attract the interest of public among different generations, especially the younger ones.

Commented on the exhibition, President of the Việt Nam Association of Fine Arts Lương Xuân Đoàn said: “The event is an evidence showing that the Vietnamese traditional heritage has been developing in modern life as well as in Việt Nam’s contemporary fine arts.”

He has hailed the creative ability of Tước that offer attractive visual effect for viewers.

Artisan Trần Nam Tước speaks to guests at the exhibition. — Photo phatgiaodoisong.vn

Born with the real name of Trần Xuân Triều, in Thái Bình Province, Tước nurtured a special interest with traditional folk culture that has been presented strongly in numerous of temples and pagodas in his homeland.

In 1996, Tước came to Bát Tràng Village in Hà Nội, famous for its century-old ceramic-making history, to become a helper at different workshops.

Without professional training, he has accumulated his knowledge and skill by his first-hand experiences. Alongside, he has also devoted to learn and dig down into the field.

His efforts were rewarded when he has been granted the Meticulous Artisan title by the culture ministry, becoming the first ever non-native villager receiving the honour.

His work Dragon Head was chosen to be a gift for the then US President Barack Obama when he visited Việt Nam in 2016. Another his work, the doorset Trung Hiếu Môn, won the first prize at the National Applicable Fine Arts Exhibition in 2019.

The Linh Thú Ngày Nay exhibition opens to public until August 20. The National Museum of Fine Arts is at 66 Nguyễn Thái Học, Ba Đình, Hà Nội. All the artworks at the exhibition have been purchased by a local collector. — VNS