On November 4, 2023, as part of a series of practical activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of friendly relations between Vietnam and Japan, a delegation from the International Scientific Conference: “Vietnam-Japan Relations: Past - Present - Future,” organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-USSH) and the Vietnam-Japan University under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, visited the museum and experienced traditional glazing and pottery making at Kim Lan pottery village.
In Kim Lan commune, the delegation received a warm welcome from representatives of the People's Committee. Opening the visit, exchange, and cultural connection between Vietnam and Japan, Mr. Nguyen Manh Ha, Chairman of the People's Committee of Kim Lan commune, extended greetings and expressed his deepest gratitude to the late Dr. Nishimura Masanari and the historians and archaeologists in the research group for their contributions in excavating and preserving the artifacts and historical values of Kim Lan pottery village.
Professor Momoki Shiro shared his thoughts on the success of the conference.
During the meeting, Professor Momoki Shiro (Vietnam-Japan University - VNU Hanoi) shared his thoughts on the success of the international scientific conference: "Vietnam-Japan Relations: Past - Present - Future". He also affirmed that the research results of the conference and the visit to Kim Lan pottery village are proof of the strong cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan in research, exchange, and cultural sharing between the two countries.
Japan and Vietnam - Preserving the Kim Lan Pottery Heritage
Visiting the Kim Lan Commune Ceramic History Museum, the delegation had the opportunity to witness firsthand and learn about the centuries-old history of pottery making, with its meticulous craftsmanship comparable to that of Bat Trang pottery.
Delegation from Vietnam-Japan University, VNU Hanoi and partner universities in Japan.
The delegation listened to a presentation about the traditions of Kim Lam pottery village, as well as its history of formation and development..
Kim Lan is known not only for its valuable ceramic products, but also for its simple, rustic pottery with elegant designs. Kim Lan village is known as the production center for household pottery in the ancient Thang Long capital, and Kim Lan pottery is considered on par with precious goods like silk, brocade, pearls, and jade.
The preservation and maintenance of the exhibition hall has received contributions from many benefactors from both Vietnam and Japan, such as Mr. Nguyen Minh Ha, Minister Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, Mr. Hattori Norio, former Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, etc. The exhibition hall was designed by Mr. Ota Shoichi, a researcher of Asian architecture, and the exhibition content is overseen by Dr. Nishimura Masanari and his wife, Dr. Nishino Noriko..
The delegation listened to a presentation about the ancient glazing techniques of Kim Lan village.
During their visit to Kim Lan, the delegation also had the opportunity to visit one of the ancient pottery workshops. The delegates were greatly surprised and impressed by the skillful craftsmanship and traditional glazing and firing techniques. The villagers also shared aspects of the craft that have been improved over time, combining traditional elements. For nearly 40 years, they have dedicated themselves to preserving and developing this traditional craft, producing a wide variety of products that not only serve the needs of Vietnam but also reach international markets, especially Japan.
At the end of the trip, the delegation visited and offered incense to the late Dr. Nishimura Masanari. A feeling of nostalgia and emotion arose as the visitors silently prayed, reminisced about memories, and thanked him for his contributions to Vietnam – his second home.
Professor Momoki Shiro was deeply moved as he recalled the contributions of the late Dr. Nishimura Masanari to Vietnam, its people, and the Kim Lan pottery craft.
The late Dr. Nishimura Masanari, born in 1965, dedicated his life and career to Vietnam for nearly 20 years, beginning with his participation in the Vietnam-Japan cooperation program on the Lang Vac archaeological site. His master's thesis focused on stone tools of the Hoa Binh and Son Vi cultures; his doctoral thesis researched archaeology in the Red River Delta and the Mekong Delta - Dong Nai.
During his time working in Vietnam, Dr. Nishimura Masanari and his wife excavated and restored numerous historical sites and landmarks, and were instrumental in building the Duong Xa Pottery Relic Museum (Bac Ninh) and the Kim Lan Ceramics and History Museum (Hanoi). He collaborated with archaeologists from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities on many archaeological excavations, explorations, and investigations in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.
