Tú Huýt Clay Whistles – Why Some Are Glossy and Some Are Matte

No two pieces stand the same in the fire

During a visit to a Phước Tích pottery kiln, HiPs heard an artisan share: “Because of the temperature, the position in the kiln and even the ash – though fired in the same batch, no two pieces stand the same in the fire.”

When pottery is fired in a wood kiln, the heat is not evenly distributed. Near the center of the kiln, where the fire burns fiercely and the draft is strong, the high temperature “over-fires” the clay, creating a light sheen like a glaze. In fact, this is a natural ash glaze – wood ash rises, settles on the pottery and melts slightly under intense heat, forming a smooth, durable, satin-like layer that glimmers like glass.

By contrast, parts sheltered from the draft, close to the kiln walls or shielded, receive less heat. These areas have no ash glaze and keep the raw, honest look of terracotta – a simple yet captivating beauty.

The “glossy side – matte side” effect on pottery

In many pieces such as ceramic whistles, pottery figurines or clay piggy banks, you can clearly see one part glossy and another grey. This comes from:

1. Temperature differences in the kiln: Surfaces facing outward, close to the fire, are glossier. Sheltered sides are dull, matte and rough.
2. Partial glazing (or no glaze at all): Phước Tích pottery often keeps its raw look to celebrate its rustic beauty.

Artistic intent: The contrast between glossy and matte gives handmade pieces depth and soul.

The beauty of imperfection

In an age of mass production, every handmade piece of pottery – with its uneven curves, accidental fire marks or naturally crackled glaze – becomes one of a kind and full of life.

Phước Tích whistles are not just souvenirs but earth – fire – the artisan's hands crystallized into a traditional story.

If you love rustic, serene and authentic beauty, don't miss Huế pottery – where every fire mark leaves behind a memory of its own.