Discover the captivating story behind our unique Kintsugi accessories, meticulously crafted from upcycled Song Be ceramics in Ho Chi Minh City. These handmade Vietnamese jewelry pieces not only celebrate the ancient art of repair but also preserve the rich cultural heritage of Southern Vietnam’s traditional pottery.
Song Be Ceramics – Everyday Beauty from Southern Vietnam
Just 15 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City lies Binh Duong Province, the birthplace of Song Be ceramics. These traditional wares are known for their soft tones, handcrafted charm, and expressive brushwork. Their origins date back to the 17th century, brought by Chinese immigrants, later blending with French influences and local Southern Vietnamese culture to form a truly unique ceramic tradition.
Originally made for everyday use, Song Be ceramics adorned family tables with vibrant dishes featuring chickens, goldfish, and floral motifs. These designs reflect a fusion of Chinese symbolism, French aesthetics, and local heritage. Their lightweight, thin walls, and large size made them ideal for the big family gatherings common in southern Vietnam.
However, since the 1980s, this craft has been fading due to war, modernization, and a shortage of artisans. Traditional Song Be kilns—especially those using wood-fired climbing kilns—have become extremely rare.
Giving New Life to the Flawed: A Kintsugi-Inspired Story
Roughly 15–20% of Song Be pottery is discarded because of tiny cracks, chips, or color inconsistencies—imperfections that render them unsellable. But these “flawed” pieces still hold the beauty of craftsmanship and cultural depth.
At ít ít Việt Nam, we saw potential in these abandoned ceramics. We visited Nang Ceramics, a local pottery studio in Ho Chi Minh City, and handpicked pieces that were destined for disposal. Inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi—the technique of repairing broken pottery with gold—we developed our method to transform them into unique, wearable accessories.
Furthermore, we purchase these unsellable ceramics directly from Nang Ceramics.
This means that every accessory sold helps support the artisans and contributes to the maintenance of their kilns.
Our goal is not only to give new life to discarded pieces, but also to create a sustainable cycle that supports the people and craftsmanship behind them.
Elegant Glow, Everyday Ease: Our Materials and Techniques
Traditional kintsugi uses lacquer and real gold, but we opted for gold powder and resin to make our designs more durable, lightweight, and skin-friendly. We spent countless hours perfecting the gold hue so it wouldn’t look artificial or cheap, but instead feel elegant and warm.
To enhance the beauty further, we combined these pieces with Vietnamese freshwater pearls, which are farmed in coastal regions like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. The result is a graceful harmony of Southeast Asian richness and Japanese aesthetics—each accessory a one-of-a-kind creation.
Beauty in the Breaks: The Art of Randomness
Each ceramic piece is broken by hand—yes, even the designer and team members do it themselves! There’s always a moment of hesitation when breaking something so beautiful. But the unpredictable shapes that emerge are what make every accessory so special. Some pieces become earrings, others a pendant—decisions made through imagination and instinct.
A Personal Story Intertwined with Clay
This project began when I stumbled upon the old Nang Ceramics shop at the top of a tiny spiral staircase. I still remember the moment I saw a plate decorated with motifs influenced by Vietnamese, French, and Chinese culture—it was love at first sight.
As someone who has lived in Shanghai, married a Frenchman, and now lives in Vietnam, I felt a deep personal connection to this blend of histories. It felt like this plate somehow reflected my own life story.
It is thanks to Mr. Huynh, the founder of Nang Ceramics, that Song Be continues to exist today. After graduating from university, he made it his mission to revive and preserve this vanishing art—and that legacy is now part of every accessory we make.
Bringing Culture Home, Lightly
Pottery can be heavy, fragile, and hard to pack in your suitcase. But our accessories let you carry a piece of Vietnamese culture home with ease—lightweight, meaningful, and wearable.
Though never used, these pieces were meant to serve. Now, instead of being forgotten, they are reborn—to carry stories, memories, and a touch of beauty into your everyday life.
A Future Rooted in Tradition
These aren’t just upcycled products. Each piece is a quiet act of cultural preservation and creative reinterpretation. It’s a gentle invitation to look at the past with new eyes—and bring it into the present.
Let your time in Ho Chi Minh live on through the pieces you wear.
Let each unique shape reflect a story—perhaps even your own.
Wear a story.
Carry beauty reborn.
