THE ART OF SHAPING CHINESE CHARACTERS IN THE DECORATION OF LAI THIEU CERAMIC ELEPHANT STANDS

Abstract

In the process of researching traditional Vietnamese art, the art of shaping Chinese characters in the decoration
of Lai Thieu ceramic elephant stands is a subject of academic and aesthetic significance but has not yet been
systematically studied. This topic poses a requirement to identify the aesthetic value, symbolism and cultural
identity of Southern ceramics, where Chinese characters go beyond the linguistic function to become the
central shaping element, linking symbolic thinking with folk aesthetics. The research employs survey and
f
ieldwork methods, combined with formal and symbolic analyses, through observation, photography and
interviews with artisans at Lai Thieu pottery facilities. The results show that the Chinese character are
sculpturalized into an independent decorative motif, harmonizing between shapes, blocks and enamel colors,
clearly demonstrating the flexible shaping thinking and creativity of the artisan.
From there, it can be seen that the inscriptions on these ceramic elephant stands do not only has artistic value but
also serve as evidence of the Vietnamization of Sinological elements, reflecting the spirit of cultural synthesis
and the distinctive aesthetics of traditional Vietnamese ceramic art.