Place

The Ceramic Village’s Quintessential Temple: Tieu Dao Pagoda

The exquisite and unique pagoda stands proudly in a famous tourist hotspot on the outskirts of Hanoi. This stunning structure is a graceful addition to the city's vibrant suburbs, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center. With its intricate design and serene presence, it has become a must-visit destination for those seeking a cultural and spiritual experience.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

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The Tieu Dao Pagoda, located in Hanoi’s Gia Lam District, is an ancient temple that has been beautifully restored by ceramic artisans. It now serves as the “handicraft village museum” of Bat Trang, a famous pottery village known for its unique ceramic art.

Tieu Dao Pagoda, nestled within the Bat Trang Pottery Village, is a beloved tourist attraction that captivates visitors with its exquisite craftsmanship. Photo: Lam Hanoi

Bat Trang Pottery Village, nestled along the Red River in the suburban district of Gia Lam, is renowned for its rich history and exceptional ceramic art. Known as Vietnam’s oldest and most celebrated pottery village, Bat Trang also boasts a one-of-a-kind ceramic temple, the Tieu Dao Pagoda.

Constructed shortly after the village’s founding during the Tran Dynasty (1226-1400), Tieu Dao Pagoda holds significant historical value. It served as a base for the Can Vuong rebel army in the late 19th century and played a pivotal role in safeguarding the secret documents of the Communist Party of Vietnam before 1945. The late musician Van Cao, composer of the national anthem, Tien Quan Ca, is among the revolutionaries who found refuge within its walls.

The serene inner courtyard of the pagoda invites visitors to reflect and find peace. Photo: Hoang Tung

Over the years, the architecture of Tieu Dao Pagoda endured damage from historical events. However, in 2001, the site underwent repairs, and in 2011, a major restoration project was initiated by its abbot, Thich Bao Duc. With a vision to merge the essence of the pottery village with a Buddhist temple, Bat Trang’s ceramic artists channeled their skill and creativity into crafting remarkable art pieces for the pagoda.

The pagoda boasts an array of ceramic art, including worshipping statues, decorative blade-like eaves, couplets, altars, horizontal inscribed boards, and decorative columns. The artists also crafted 78 statues for various halls, including the Patriarch Hall, Mother Goddess Hall, and Eighteen Arhats Hall, showcasing their renowned expertise.

One of the highlights of Tieu Dao Pagoda is the impressive 2.5-meter-high ceramic statue of a Dharmapāla, solemnly placed on one of the Three Jewels altars. This statue exemplifies the fusion of Buddhist spirituality and ceramic artistry that characterizes the pagoda.

The serene Buddha statue in the main worship hall of the pagoda invites visitors to find inner peace. Photo: Hanoimoi

Spanning an area of approximately 8,300 square meters, Tieu Dao Pagoda impresses with its grand scale and attention to detail. The main gate, adorned with countless small ceramic pieces, sets the tone for the entire complex. The main courtyard features two side halls dedicated to the Eighteen Arhats, with nine statues each, set against a backdrop of cloud-mountain murals. The pillars are elegantly decorated with curving blue dragon motifs.

As visitors ascend the steps towards the main Three Jewels Hall, they are greeted by a colorful ceramic painting in the Om mani style, measuring two meters wide and long. This unique artwork adds to the distinct character of the pagoda. The hall itself is a masterpiece of ceramic art, with delicate motifs in green, red, and yellow, and columns adorned with paintings of lotus flowers, chrysanthemums, and bamboo trees—all symbolic elements in Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.

Within the central compartment of the Three Jewels Hall stand two majestic ceramic statues of Dharmapālas, exquisite in their detail. Each statue stands at 2.5 meters high and took over a year to complete, reflecting the dedication and skill of the artisans.

The Tieu Dao Pagoda, a harmonious blend of Buddhist spirituality and ceramic artistry. Photo: Chang Chang

Behind the main hall lies the Patriarch Hall, featuring four dragon statues in the Le Dynasty style. Inside, nine ceramic statues, including that of Emperor-Monk Tran Nhan Tong, take center stage. The altar is graced with two gourd-shaped vases, symbolic gifts from the artisans of Bat Trang Handicraft Village.

The waiting room is a testament to the artisans’ skill, adorned with five ceramic paintings depicting the Law of Karma and a lotus pond painting, creating a serene atmosphere.

The garden surrounding the pagoda is a work of art in itself, carefully designed by monk Thich Bao Duc and Buddhists from the village. Each miniature landscape was thoughtfully discussed and crafted, reflecting the collaboration and dedication of the entire community.

Ceramic bas-relief of Buddha images, a testament to the skill and devotion of Bat Trang artisans. Photo: Hanoimoi

Nguyen Van Ky, Deputy Head of the Tieu Dao Pagoda Construction Committee, proudly shared, “The pagoda embodies our intelligence and energy, blending the exquisite beauty of ceramics with traditional architecture. It stands as a testament to the enthusiasm and pride of the people of Giang Cao Hamlet and Bat Trang Ceramics Village.”

Through the dedication and artistry of the ceramic artisans, the Tieu Dao Pagoda has been transformed into a captivating destination that preserves the spirit of a traditional artisan village while offering a unique cultural experience.

The surroundings of the pagoda feature a plethora of ceramic statues and miniature landscapes, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere for visitors. Photo: Hanoimoi