The Role of Ming Dynasty Ceramics in the Development of Vietnamese Ceramic Traditions: An Archaeological Perspective

The significance of analyzing the role of Ming dynasty ceramics in the evolution of Vietnamese ceramic traditions lies in the dynamics of cultural transmission and technological diffusion. The aim of this study is to examine how Vietnamese artisans, rather than merely replicating the innovations of the Ming dynasty, engaged in an active process of “technological reinterpretation”—a term that encompasses the integration of foreign techniques and materials with local methods and aesthetic principles. Employing a rigorous interdisciplinary approach that includes visual analysis, chemical composition studies, and digital 3D reconstruction, the research elucidates how ceramic technologies were not simply transferred but transformed, adapting to local sociocultural and ecological conditions, as evidenced by the selective adaptation of dragon kilns and the introduction of cobalt pigments. The analysis reveals that while key technological elements, such as high-temperature kilns and cobalt underglaze, were imported from China, their application within the Vietnamese context led to a process of “stylistic hybridization,” where decorative motifs and ceramic forms reflected a distinct local identity, particularly through the reinterpretation of Chinese dragon motifs into dynamic representations. The findings are significant for understanding patterns of intercultural material exchange during the Ming period, offering a model for examining “intercultural permeability,” where technological innovations are not imposed but negotiated, and providing a basis for evaluating how localized craft traditions evolve in response to external forces.