Dehua County's centuries-old ceramic craftsmanship took center stage at a Global Civilizations Dialogue side forum this week, showcasing its role in fostering cross-border cultural understanding. Fang Junqin, Party Secretary of Fujian Province's Dehua County, detailed the art form's evolution from Tang Dynasty trade routes to modern diplomatic 'white gold' during an interview with CGTN.
Known for its luminous blanc-de-Chine porcelain, Dehua has supplied ceremonial tea sets to over 150 countries and regions. 'Our artisans blend traditional carving techniques with 3D printing innovation,' Fang explained, noting partnerships with design schools in France and Italy. The county's ceramic exports grew 18% year-on-year in 2023, driven by sustainable production methods attracting European luxury brands.
Academic institutions are collaborating with local workshops to document glaze formulas and kiln technologies recognized by UNESCO. For travelers, Dehua plans to launch ceramic-themed tourism routes connecting heritage kilns with contemporary galleries. 'This isn't just about preserving history,' Fang emphasized. 'It's about creating a shared language of craftsmanship that transcends borders.'
Reference(s):
cgtn.com