The signature eel-skin glaze, a lustrous brown to dark brown finish unique to Phu Lang, is crafted from wood ash and natural oxides, giving each ceramic piece a distinct character.

The shaping process requires artisans to control the pressure with precision and maintain a steady hand—almost as if they can “feel” the clay’s response.

Once the piece is shaped, it is carefully trimmed to remove any thin excess layer, refining the final form.

The small statues are then left to air dry—sometimes for as long as a month—before being glazed and fired in the kiln. The signature eel-skin glaze, a lustrous brown to dark brown finish unique to Phu Lang, is crafted from wood ash and natural oxides, giving each ceramic piece a distinct character.

Today, Phu Lang has become a sought-after destination for bespoke orders from international clients.

One sample product was custom-made for export to Japan.

Foreign visitors come to explore and learn about this traditional ceramic art.

Central to the village’s uniqueness is the wood-firing process—an ancient technique that may seem outdated but remains key to creating the signature glaze patterns and flame marks that no industrial method can replicate.

There is no temperature dial, no timer—everything relies on the artisan’s skill, instinct, and experience. Three to four people take shifts tending the kiln, feeding it with dry acacia wood and placing each log deep within its fiery core. Inside, the temperature can soar to 1,000°C and must be maintained consistently for four days and three nights, with firekeepers vigilantly watching the flame.

By observing the colour of the fire, listening to the crackle of the wood, and sensing the aroma of the smoke, the artisan determines how deeply the flame has worked its way into the pottery.

Phu Lang is not merely a pottery village—it is a living museum of Vietnamese traditional craft, representing the resilience, ingenuity, and heartfelt dedication of its people.