To encourage young students to actively contribute to the development of China's traditional cultural industries, the "Joy in Ceramics" practice team from Guangdong University of Finance and Economics recently conducted a field study in Fengxi Town, Chao'an District, Chaozhou. The team members, all from joint Chinese-foreign academic programs, used their language skills to share the story of Chaozhou ceramics with international friends.
Chaozhou Santai Porcelain Co., Ltd. is a company in Fengxi Town that primarily exports ceramics, with a complete ceramics production chain. The students toured the company's showroom, where many of the ceramics, infused with foreign cultural elements due to their export nature, piqued the interest of international friends.
Following the tour, the team hosted a live stream from the factory, showcasing the entire ceramics production process with the help of the factory's manager. Unlike typical live streams, they invited international students studying in China, who participated in the event via an online meeting.
The international friends were deeply impressed by the craftsmanship of Chaozhou ceramics and marveled at the rich cultural heritage they represent. They expressed that ceramics are not just objects but also a form of artistic expression and a vessel for cultural transmission. Many of the international students showed strong interest in visiting Chaozhou to experience the traditional charcoal stoves used in the ceramics process.
Chaozhou's ceramics culture is a fusion of history and wisdom. During their research, the team also visited inheritors of various intangible cultural heritage (ICH) practices, including pierced porcelain, ceramic sculpture, and traditional charcoal stoves, gaining firsthand experience of these ancient arts.
One such inheritor, Ye Lihong, who specializes in pierced porcelain, has not only preserved this traditional craft but also innovated upon it. Initially, pierced porcelain involved only carving without the addition of decorative elements, but Ye Lihong has since incorporated Chaozhou cultural themes. She has also been mentoring younger enthusiasts, teaching them techniques such as slip casting, flower modeling, and hollow carving, and encouraging them to find inspiration and innovate, thereby ensuring the continued evolution of this ICH art.
Wu Zhirong, another ICH inheritor focused on ceramic sculpture, is committed to preserving traditional culture while also pushing the boundaries of his craft. His work is gaining recognition beyond China, showcasing the unique appeal of this traditional art form to a global audience.
Chaozhou's charcoal stoves, one of the "Four Treasures of Chaozhou Gongfu Tea," are specialized tools for boiling water and brewing tea. The craft of making these stoves dates back to the Qing Dynasty and involves a meticulous process of dozens of steps.
The students' passion for ceramics is evident in their actions in Chaozhou. According to the faculty advisor of the team, the "Joy in Ceramics" project not only promoted ceramic culture but also deepened international students' understanding of Chinese traditional culture through cross-cultural exchange. The team plans to continue this type of activity, exploring new angles and deeper levels of engagement, to build cultural bridges and open up new possibilities for the global development of Chaozhou ceramics.
Source | Lingnan on the Cloud
