Vietnam's Ba Den Mountain to Host Exhibition of Over 400 Ceramic Buddha Statues

An exhibition titled 'Ceramic Sutra - Sounds of the World' will be held at Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province from August 8 to September 30, showcasing over 400 ceramic artworks. The event aims to blend traditional pottery techniques with Buddhist culture through interactive experiences. The exhibition will feature 414 ceramic works, including 50 sets of 'Ceramic Sutras' with Buddha faces inscribed with 365 characters of the 'Great Compassion Mantra', 95 'Bird-bodied Buddha' statues, and 269 'Little Monk' figures. Each unique piece is the result of multiple stages, from shaping and drying to firing and finishing, crafted by artist Nguyen Tuan (Tuan Gom) and artisans from the Phu Lang pottery village in Bac Ninh. Nguyen Tuan, a graduate of the Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts, has dedicated years to creating Buddhist ceramic art. His previous exhibitions include 'Manuscript of Man' (2008), 'Art Feast' (2009), 'Buddha's Dream' (2011), 'Vision' (2012), and 'Migration' (2013). The exhibition also highlights the labor journey of the artisans, from their crafting techniques to the preservation of traditional pottery making. Phu Lang, a pottery village over 700 years old in Bac Ninh, is renowned for its rustic ceramic quality, unique glazes, and traditional charcoal kiln firing methods. The use of Phu Lang pottery connects the value of this traditional craft with the spiritual space of Ba Den Mountain. Organizers state that the program is a large-scale spiritual ceramic installation art exhibition, adding to the series of cultural and artistic events developed at Ba Den Mountain. The experiential activities are designed to cater to visitors' needs and introduce heritage values, traditional crafts, and local culture. Visitors can combine their visit with exploring the spiritual complex atop Ba Den Mountain, paying homage to Asia's tallest copper statue of the Tay Bo Da Son Avalokitesvara, participating in peace-praying rituals, and enjoying panoramic views of Dau Tieng Lake via the cable car system. This period also marks the peak season for the tourist area's series of festivals and cultural events. Ms. Dao Thi Viet, General Manager of Sun World Ba Den Mountain, emphasized that bringing the exhibition to Ba Den Mountain aims to spread the value of traditional ceramic heritage through a space that merges art, culture, and Buddhist spirituality. She noted that each artwork embodies not only the artisans' creativity but also philosophies of life and humanitarian values. Ba Den Mountain, an extinct volcano in Tay Ninh, stands at 986 meters and is known as the 'First Mountain of Heaven'. It was recognized as a national historical site and scenic spot by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on January 21, 1989. The area boasts diverse terrain with caves, granite cliffs, rich vegetation, and the Sun World Ba Den Mountain spiritual complex. Prior to this exhibition, the tourist area has hosted numerous large-scale cultural events, including the 'Leaf Market', the 'Fruit Sculpting Artisan Festival', lantern exhibitions, and historical memory events. These seasonal events, combining cultural experiences with a spiritual setting, have helped establish Ba Den Mountain as an attractive destination in Tay Ninh.