Minh Lê expresses heartfelt gratitude to those interested in learning more about his work. As a ceramicist from the renowned Bát Tràng pottery village in Hanoi, Vietnam, pottery has been a significant part of his identity, shaped by the generations of his family who have worked with clay. From a young age, the sounds of pottery wheels and the artistry of shaping clay inspired him, leading to a deep dedication to his craft. Together with his brother, Duke, and his wife, they founded Minh Le Studio to share the beauty and rich history of Vietnamese ceramics with a modern twist.
Bongs From a True Ceramicist
Minh Lê is passionate about preserving traditional crafts in an era of industrialization, recognizing a trend among younger generations moving away from these art forms. He aims to balance honoring the rich cultural past while ensuring the craft’s relevance for future generations through Minh Le Studio. His mission is to keep the art of Bát Tràng pottery alive, showcasing its intrinsic beauty and cultural significance to a global audience. The studio creates both functional pottery and artistic pieces that tell their story, inviting others to explore their craftsmanship.
Merging Tradition with Modernity
The idea to create ceramic bongs emerged from Minh Lê’s desire to merge Vietnam’s cultural essence with contemporary trends. Recognizing that smoking with a bong is a long-standing tradition in Vietnam, he saw an opportunity to blend this practice with his family’s ceramic artistry. With the global cannabis industry expanding, there is a gap for high-end ceramic bongs, and Minh Le Studio aims to fill that void. Each piece tells a story of local artisanship and cultural heritage, designed for functionality to enhance the smoking experience while remaining an artistic expression meant for everyday use.
