electra-supply.comIf we were to dream of an azure sky awaiting the rain, it would surely be a dream woven with the delicate beauty of blue and white porcelain. And if there’s a meeting that begins with a playful nod to “bumper cars,” it would undoubtedly be an encounter with the “Speechless Bodhisattva.” Both the dream and the encounter unfold in the same enchanting place — Jingdezhen, known as the “Millennium Porcelain Capital.”
Jingdezhen holds half the history of porcelain in its embrace. It’s a city that has flourished, grown, and established itself through its dedication to ceramics. The recent opening of the China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo on October 18 marks a new era for this historical city, transforming it into a vibrant platform for international ceramic cultural exchange and a bridge between Eastern and Western civilizations.
For thousands of years, Jingdezhen has spoken a unique language born from the fusion of clay and fire, telling the story of China in the porcelain crafted here. Let’s delve into Jingdezhen together and explore the allure of this porcelain capital.
Nestled in the northeastern part of Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen, formerly known as Xinpingshu, Taoyang, and Changnan, boasts a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and ample water supply, making it an ideal location for ceramics. The area is rich in clay minerals, renowned for its white, fine texture, excellent plasticity, and fire resistance. The abundant masson pine trees around Jingdezhen provide perfect fuel with a combustible temperature reaching 1200°C, making them an ideal choice for porcelain kilns.
The Changjiang River, Jingdezhen’s “Mother River,” offers uniformly distributed water quality that is crystal clear. This river has historically facilitated the output of Jingdezhen’s porcelain products and the import of raw materials and trade, creating a favorable environment for water transportation.
With these natural advantages, Jingdezhen’s porcelain industry has thrived, and the river has witnessed the eternal flame of its kilns. Historical records suggest that pottery production in the region began over 2,000 years ago, evolving over a millennium and fostering the legacy of imperial kilns that have burned consistently for over six centuries.
The kiln fires ignited as early as the Five Dynasties, reaching a peak during the Song and Yuan dynasties, establishing Jingdezhen as the national center for porcelain production through the Ming and Qing dynasties. The emergence of white porcelain, known for its delicate quality, elevated the name of Changnan, paving the way for Jingdezhen’s title, which persists to this day thanks to Emperor Zhenzong of Song who named it “Jingdezhen.”
The discovery of kaolin altered Jingdezhen’s century-old formula, while the addition of cobalt from Iran led to the flourish of blue and white porcelain, further solidifying the city’s reputation. In the Qing Dynasty, civil kilns opened doors to global markets, facilitating the export of exquisite porcelain loved by people worldwide.
Historically, Jingdezhen’s ceramics have reached over 120 countries, totaling more than 300 million pieces dispersed across the globe, giving rise to its revered title, the “World Porcelain Capital.”
Today, Jingdezhen is recognized as the city closest to the art, boasting numerous museums and a rich reservoir of traditional ceramic culture, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to truly understand artistry.
The streets of Jingdezhen are vibrant with porcelain-inspired streetlamps, ceramic shops, and decorative walls, contributing to the city’s lively atmosphere. The historical old town itself is home to over 160 relics of the porcelain industry, with numerous traditional alleys, protected cultural sites, and a thriving community of artisans and cultural inheritors.
The influx of numerous foreign artists and craftsmen, collectively known as “Jingpiao,” reflects the city’s growing global community. With their innovations in ceramic art, these international talents add vibrancy and creativity to Jingdezhen, while the city, in turn, helps them fulfill their artistic ambitions.
In recent years, initiatives like apprenticeship programs and non-material cultural heritage associations have ensured the survival of Jingdezhen’s artisan spirit, allowing the precious traditions to flourish and pass from generation to generation. From exquisite blue and white porcelain to delicate pastel ceramics, the city’s artisans consistently push the boundaries of creativity, blurring the lines between tradition and modernity.
With quirky attractions like the viral “Bumper Cars,” modern shopping districts, and immersive cultural experiences, Jingdezhen is appealing to visitors from all walks of life. The city has not only retained its rich ceramic heritage but has also embraced innovation, creating memorable experiences that resonate with a younger audience.
Whether it’s making your own porcelain piece at an ancient kiln or enjoying the night markets filled with artisan crafts, visitors to Jingdezhen are encouraged to engage with the culture deeply. As crowds gather during bustling weekend nights for shopping and exploration, taking home a piece of Jingdezhen’s ceramic legacy is nearly a rite of passage.
The ceramic culture is also celebrated through dynamic performances, blending contemporary visual technology with the rich heritage of Jingdezhen. Museums even extend their hours, offering digital interactions and exhibitions that invite visitors to explore both the past and future of porcelain.
Jingdezhen beckons you, calling those who have yet to experience the rich, resonant sounds of porcelain that echo through its streets. A trip to this city is not just a journey through time but a chance to discover the underlying stories of a place steeped in artistic legacy, harmonious with nature and crafted through the passion of artisans who dedicate their lives to the beauty of porcelain.
