Jingdezhen: A Thousand Years of Handcrafted Ceramic Craftsmanship
汤泽超Jingdezhen, a city with over 2,000 years of ceramic history, stands out globally as a place where handcrafted ceramics are deeply embedded in its culture. Known as the "Porcelain Capital," the city has preserved its rich legacy of pottery, with artisans refining their craft over many generations. Today, both experienced masters and young artisans continue to advance the tradition of handcrafted ceramics, ensuring that the city’s heritage thrives in the modern world.
Unveiling the Secrets of Color: Reviving Lost Techniques
Jingdezhen is home to four famous types of porcelain: blue and white, linglong (transparent porcelain), famille rose, and colored glazes. Of these, colored glazes are unique because they change color without using any added pigments. This transformation happens naturally during the high-temperature firing process, a phenomenon known as kiln transformation. Kiln-transformed ceramics are rare and highly valuable. Yet, over time, the technique has been lost, with only a few artisans mastering it. Even seasoned ceramic masters typically focus on just one color.
On October 17, 2024, tourists were visiting the Taociqu Spring and Autumn Fair.
In 1965, Deng Xiping, a graduate from Wuhan University’s Chemistry Department, came to Jingdezhen. She spent years learning from experienced masters and experimenting with the techniques herself. After over 50 years of research, she developed more than 40 different colored glazes, reviving this ancient art form.
One of the most well-known colored glazes is Langhong, a rich red glaze. The difficulty of firing Langhong is reflected in the saying, "If you want to go bankrupt, fire Langhong." The temperature control in traditional kilns is tricky, and even a slight deviation in temperature could ruin the glaze. Deng Xiping’s research expanded the firing temperature range, making the process less challenging.
In addition to the glaze formula, the firing process itself is key. During one of her trials, Zhu Xiaoping, another artisan, faced issues with the firing of a red-glazed horse statue. The problem was traced to the horse's head, which was too heavy and caused the piece to warp. After adjustments, the piece was successfully fired, and the result was a magnificent red horse that seemed to shimmer with a lifelike finish.
Reviving Rouge Red: Bringing Back the Old Kilns
In a Jingdezhen showroom, Zhu Xiaoping, an inheritor of the region’s ceramic heritage, taps a white porcelain bowl. A clear, melodious sound fills the air. His family has been in the ceramic business for generations, with ancestors who worked in the imperial kilns during the Qing dynasty. However, the secret recipe for rouge red porcelain was lost over time. Determined to restore the technique, Zhu Xiaoping spent eight years conducting experiments, refining formulas, and adjusting kiln temperatures. In 2015, after extensive trials, he successfully brought rouge red porcelain back to life. His works, rich in color and elegant in design, have become national treasures, representing China’s cultural heritage.
Zhu Xiaoping’s rouge red porcelain is now highly regarded for its deep, vibrant red color. His work symbolizes both technical excellence and a deep connection to Chinese traditions.
In October 2024, tourists were shopping for creative porcelain at the Chaoxiachuan Spring and Autumn Fair.
Bringing Tradition to Modern Fashion
"Can ceramics be this stylish?" In a Jingdezhen showroom, visitors are greeted not just by traditional ceramics like cups and plates, but also creative items made from porcelain. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets crafted from porcelain exude elegance, while accessories like handbags, cushions, scarves, and phone cases featuring blue-and-white porcelain designs are full of modern flair. "We’ve developed over 1,000 creative products based on porcelain," says Cai Wenjuan, a local inheritor of traditional blue-and-white porcelain techniques.
Cai Wenjuan’s design team, made up of young artisans, blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. They have successfully created items like jewelry made from old ceramic pieces, combining classical designs with modern aesthetics. These innovative products have gained popularity, especially among younger generations.
Today, Jingdezhen is seeing more young people enter the ceramics field. Like Cai Wenjuan, the “second generation” of ceramic artisans is bringing fresh energy to this ancient craft. Lv Yating, who returned to Jingdezhen after studying abroad, took over her father’s ceramic business. With her team, which includes young designers, they have created viral products like the Linglong porcelain unspillable cup and rotating cups. "We started live-streaming in 2019, and our online sales have grown rapidly," says Lv Yating.
The Future of Jingdezhen’s Ceramic Industry
In Jingdezhen, the future of ceramics looks bright. The Taoxichuan Ceramic Culture and Creative District has transformed old ceramic factories into vibrant art studios, cafes, and shops, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity. Since opening in 2016, the district has grown from 55 booths to over 15,000 registered creators, showing the increasing interest in ceramic culture from the younger generation.
With the release of the Jingdezhen National Ceramic Cultural Heritage and Innovation Pilot Zone Implementation Plan, the city’s ceramic industry is entering a new phase of development, blending centuries-old traditions with modern innovation.
If you are inspired by the timeless artistry of Jingdezhen and wish to bring a piece of this heritage into your daily life, explore Ceramic Villa — a curated collection of handcrafted ceramics and artisanal creations. Each piece is made with devotion by master artisans, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, offering not just objects, but a way of living with beauty and meaning.