Jingdezhen, a city renowned for its porcelain, has become a focal point of cultural exchange between Taiwan and mainland China. Recently, veteran ceramicist Zhuo Bocheng, after several days of exploration in Jingdezhen, remarked, “This place offers valuable insights for Yingge.”
Yingge, often referred to as the “Jingdezhen of Taiwan,” sits along the west coast of Taiwan and has a rich history of ceramic production that dates back over 200 years, initiated by settlers from Fujian Province during the Qing Dynasty. Recently, dozens of Taiwanese ceramic artists and young individuals participated in the 2024 Cross-Strait (Jingdezhen) Ceramic Cultural Exchange and Exhibition events, highlighting the shared heritage that connects the two regions—often described as just “a piece of porcelain away.”
Zhuo, a native of Yingge who established a ceramics business in the early 1980s, reminisced about the golden era when there were many thriving ceramic factories in Yingge. “Three-quarters of the workforce was engaged in ceramics, and our exports to Europe and Southeast Asia were booming; as long as you were willing to work hard, you could make a good living.” However, over the decades, external pressures and new techniques led to a decline in the traditional ceramic industry, with Zhuo noting, “The number of factories has plummeted from hundreds to just a few dozen, resulting in a nearly 90% drop in production.”
The history of ceramics in China is intricately tied to Jingdezhen, a city where the cyclical narrative of pottery continues. He Jiayun, an artist-in-residence at the Yingge Ceramic Museum, sees strong parallels between Jingdezhen and Yingge, noting that both regions have faced systemic challenges as their traditional ceramic products struggle in the market.
Reflecting on her visits to Jingdezhen over the past twelve years, He remarked, “The transformation here is astonishing. What has revitalized the ceramic industry? Why do young people flock to Jingdezhen? How do we capture that excitement?” She acknowledges that Jingdezhen’s journey of rejuvenation could serve as a blueprint for Yingge.
As Taiwanese ceramic artists stroll through the historic streets of Jingdezhen, they experience the rich cultural tapestry of the city, moving from “Three Islands and Four Docks to Nine and a Half Streets.” The remnants of the city’s past echo its evolution in clay.
Young Taiwanese artist Youzi, who had long admired Ding Yi Niang at the Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum through social media, expressed her joy in finally witnessing the famed “Silent Bodhisattva” and eagerly purchased local creative products.
During a nighttime exploration of the Tao Creek Creative District, enthusiasm bubbled among the Taiwanese artists as they gathered to share their ceramic purchases and discuss their merits until the early hours of the morning. Fellow ceramicist Zeng Xiangxuan highlighted the struggles many young artisans face back in Yingge, where tourist foot traffic dwindles after sundown. “Spaces like Tao Creek are essential, offering platforms for young artists to showcase and sell their work.”
Zhuo has identified five stages in the development of ceramics: handcrafting, manufacturing, creating, intelligent manufacturing, and AI-assisted creativity. He expressed amazement at the use of AI technology in the creation of porcelain artworks at the upcoming 2024 Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo, observing, “I initially thought mainland China was still in the intelligent manufacturing phase, but they’ve already advanced to AI-level collaboration.”
The meeting of minds at the cross-strait ceramic exchange event reaffirmed that both regions’ ceramics have their unique strengths. Zeng remarked, “Mainland China offers a vast market with deep historical and cultural roots, while Taiwanese ceramics are marked by creativity. Embracing both through honest cooperation can lead to mutual growth.”
Artist Feng Ruileun echoed the sentiment that Taiwan and mainland China share common cultural foundations. “The exchange of ceramic artists is not just about artistic creation; it’s a deep connection to our shared heritage.”
He Jiayun plans to share her insights with local officials in hopes of providing a new model for Yingge’s revitalization and fostering deeper, long-term exchanges between ceramic artists from both sides.
In recent years, Jingdezhen has leveraged platforms such as the Jingdezhen China Ceramic Museum and the Tao Creek Creative District, aiming to broaden connections with Taiwan. Many Taiwanese artists expressed interest in developing opportunities on the mainland, seeking to improve cross-strait sales channels.
Li Shengli, director of the Ceramic Museum and a long-time partner of Taiwanese artists, announced plans to establish a platform for cross-strait exchanges, gathering exceptional works from both regions. “Many Taiwanese artists are eager about this idea and wish to see it materialize quickly.”
Wu Caifeng, a member of the Jingdezhen City Committee, emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering cultural exchanges between the two sides, providing more opportunities for shared understanding and friendship.
During the cultural exchange event, artists from both sides collaborated on creative projects, further illustrating the potential for cultural integration and cooperation.
