EN
Vietnamese blue and white ware has recently become an object of scientific scholarly interest. In the beginning, this kind of pottery was overshadowed by Chinese products, but later on it experienced a boom in the 15th and 16th centuries. In this paper, I analyse the development of ceramics on the territory of modern Vietnam, including its shape, decorative motifs and ornament symbolism while focusing on the unique national character of this category of products. Despite strong Chinese influences which are clearly visible in the technological borrowings and symbolism of depictions, Vietnamese pottery shows a skilful mixture of tradition and foreign inspirations. Unlike their Chinese counterparts, Vietnamese painting styles clearly give the Vietnamese pottery of this period a unique, individual form. The blue and white vessels are no longer copies or imitations but local products of high artistic value.