Antique ceramic exhibition opens

      An exhibition displaying a collection of central Viet Nam’s antique ceramics has opened in Tuy Hoa town in the central province of Phu Yen.
The Road of Ceramics exhibition is the first in the province featuring valuable antiques held by individual collectors.
Lam Du Xenh, who spent years researching the Sa Huynh culture, is displaying more than 20 ceramic items, including a centuries-old jar.
The Sa Huynh Culture flourished in central and southern Viet Nam 2,500 years ago.
Archaeologist Nguyen Vinh Hao, from the central province of Binh Dinh, has brought Go Sanh ceramics, featuring jars and vases created by Cham artisans centuries ago.
Ceramics from the well-known Sa Huynh and Go Sanh cultures have been displayed at many exhibitions around the country, the exhibition organisers said.
Quang Duc ceramics produced by craftsmen in a small village in Phu Yen are also on display.
The Quang Duc ceramic guild was begun in the 17th century by a family who moved to Phu Yen from Go Sanh village in Binh Dinh, bringing with them techniques to make the Cham ceramics.
The craft flourished for over a century but perished 60 years ago due to war.
Collector Tran Thanh Hung, a native of Phu Yen, spent over a decade to collect Quang Duc ceramics from many regions around the country.
He has brought more than 100 items featuring jars, vases, vials and saucers made by craftsmen in Quang Duc village.
"The design and decoration of Quang Duc items are simpler than those of Go Sanh and Sa Huynh," Hung said.
Quang Duc ceramics have rough coatings on most items that make them unique.
The Road of Ceramics exhibit will end in August.
The exhibition will also appear in Quy Nhon town in Binh Dinh in September at a seminar on State museums and individual collectors, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.