Meet Nguyen Van Duong, a passionate 40-year-old collector from Binh Duong Province, who has dedicated the last 12 years to amassing an impressive array of teapots. His journey began in 2012 when he started scouring antique stores in his province and Ho Chi Minh City, seeking unique and vintage teapots.
Duong’s collection showcases his deep appreciation for Vietnam’s renowned pottery villages. Among his treasures are teapots from Van Ninh in the north and Nam Phong, Lai Thieu, and Bien Hoa in the south. However, his most prized possessions are the Bat Trang teapots from the 1960s and 1980s, with one holding a special connection to the Dien Bien Phu battle, a significant event in Vietnam’s history during the French war.
A corner in Duong’s house displays a range of teapots, some of which are hundreds of years old. |
Duong’s collection has grown to include approximately 1,000 Vietnamese ceramic teapots, each with its own story to tell. He takes great joy in reliving old memories and sharing his passion with friends. His home has become a testament to his hobby, with teapots adorning the walls, rooms, and yard, each one a unique piece of art.
In addition to his teapot collection, Duong also has a vast collection of textbooks, ranging from the 1890s to the 2010s. His pursuit of these vintage items is driven by a desire to reconnect with his childhood and learn more about Vietnamese culture.
A special teapot and cup set commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory. |
One of Duong’s most memorable experiences was finding a replacement for a treasured teapot that was accidentally broken by one of his cats. After four years of searching, he finally discovered a similar teapot, made in the same year he was born.
Duong’s collection goes beyond teapots and textbooks; he also seeks out ceramic items, newspapers, and books, all of which hold a piece of Vietnam’s history and culture. His passion and dedication have transformed his home into a museum of sorts, preserving and showcasing the country’s rich heritage.
Antique Bat Trang teapots with patterns depicting Vietnam’s wars, new year celebrations, and happy families. |
Duong’s collection of ancient ceramic items, many of which were handcrafted, showcases the unique artistry of Vietnam’s pottery villages. The teapots take on lifelike shapes of fruits and animals, each one a testament to the skill and creativity of the artisans who crafted them.
Through his dedication to collecting and preserving these treasures, Nguyen Van Duong has not only created a remarkable collection but has also become a guardian of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
Duong’s shelves showcase a range of ancient Vietnamese teapots, each with its own unique story. |
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