New pottery products produced after the restoration of the kiln. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

THUA THIEN - HUE (VNS) — Phuoc Tich, a 600-year-old terracotta producing village in central Thua Thien - Hue Province, was recently recognised as a traditional craft village by local authorities, which will provide funding for the revival of production.

About 500 years ago, the village was the main kitchen pottery supplier for the Imperial Palace of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) in Hue. However, production ended following the ruin of the dynasty.

Some outstanding products from the village can be seen at the Hue Museum of Royal Artifacts.

In 2012, the Viet Nam Institute of Arts and Culture Studies in Hue worked with the Belgian Wallonie Heritage Institute to restore the traditional kilns, but they could not find a market for the pottery products. Locals hope the new recognition will help revive the craft. — VNS