Welcome to the whimsical world of Jingdezhen, where pottery reigns supreme and history dances with creativity!
Discover the fascinating tale of this city's 1,700-year love affair with ceramics, from its ancient kilns to the innovative architectural marvels of the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum. Let's dive into this tale of tradition, innovation, and a whole lot of clay!
Where to Buy Ceramics in Jingdezhen?
If you want to bring a piece of Jingdezhen's pottery legacy home, there are two fantastic places to find exquisite ceramics:
Jingdezhen Ceramics Market
The Jingdezhen Ceramics Market is a bustling hub where you can find everything from traditional chinaware to modern ceramic art pieces. The market is a great place to explore the diverse ceramic styles that have made Jingdezhen famous. With over 100 shops, it’s easy to get lost in a maze of beautiful handmade pottery.
- Address: No. 29, Wenshui Street, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- What to Look for?: Look for delicate hand-painted china items, such as tea sets, vases, and traditional blue-and-white ware.
Sanbao Ceramic Art Village
For something a bit more artistic and contemporary, head over to Sanbao Ceramic Art Village. This village is a collaborative space for ceramic artists, offering visitors the chance to buy unique ceramic pieces directly from the artists. It’s also a great spot to witness artists at work.
- Address: Sanbao Ceramic Art Village, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- What to Look for?: Here, you can find modern ceramic sculptures, hand-thrown pottery, and intricate, artistic pieces that combine traditional and contemporary techniques.
The History of Jingdezhen
Jingdezhen is a city located in the northern part of Jiangxi province, China, and is famously known as the "capital of pottery" for its 1,700 years of ceramic production. The city's early settlements revolved around ceramic manufacturing complexes, which included kilns, workshops, and residential areas. Even the city's street layout was influenced by the nature and industry of pottery.
The Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum
In the historic center, near the ruins of the imperial kiln, the Zhu-Pei Studio has built the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum, dedicated to the history and local kilns.
The architectural design incorporates more than half a dozen brick vaults, molded in the traditional kiln shape, each with varying dimensions, curvature, and length. The foundation of this unique structure consists of poured concrete sandwiched between two layers of brick masonry walls.
The building's ground level creates a sequence of public spaces at street level, some covered by a series of more intimate vaults, while others are evident in the five courtyards within the museum, each dedicated to the five elements cherished in ancient Chinese culture: gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. The strategic placement of these open spaces also aids in the internal lighting of the museum, supplemented by cylindrical skylights inspired by the smoke holes of ancient kilns, providing natural light during the day and artificial light at night.
The bricks used in the construction are partly recycled from old kilns, reflecting the local building culture. Historically in Jingdezhen, the use of recycled bricks to construct houses and buildings of all kinds is a significant feature, as brick kilns need to be demolished every two or three years to maintain a certain thermal efficiency.
By utilizing recycled materials and paying homage to the city's rich pottery-making heritage, the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum stands as a testament to both tradition and innovation in China's renowned "capital of pottery."
- Admission Fee: 80 CNY (approximately 11 USD)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ceramic Festival in Jingdezhen
If you're lucky enough to be in Jingdezhen during the Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair (usually held in late spring), it’s an event not to be missed! This festival celebrates the city’s rich ceramic heritage with exhibitions, workshops, and performances. You can meet ceramic artists from around the world, buy unique works, and learn about the latest trends in the ceramic world.
What Type of Ceramic to Look For?
Jingdezhen is known for its fine china and blue-and-white pottery. You should look for hand-painted china vases, tea sets, and figurines with intricate designs that reflect both ancient and modern styles. Additionally, you can explore artistic ceramics that blend traditional Chinese motifs with contemporary interpretations, making them perfect for collectors.
Conclusion
From centuries-old traditions to contemporary art, Jingdezhen offers something for every ceramic lover. Whether you're seeking an elegant tea set or a unique piece of art, the city’s markets and studios are brimming with treasures waiting to be discovered. So, take a step into the whimsical world of Jingdezhen, and bring home a piece of China’s pottery history with you!
