As home to giant pandas, southwest China’s Sichuan Province is never short of fascinating stories where nature meets culture. Among these is the ancient art of Yingjing black sand pottery, a tradition that has linked humanity and the earth for over two millennia.
Wang Zhideng, a chronicler from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), mentioned in his writings: “The yellow and black clay at Mount Shushan can be used for pottery.” Known today as Wawu Mountain, located in the southwestern Qionglai Mountains, this area is rich in the unique yellow and black clay essential for creating Yingjing black sand pottery. This craft, originating in Yingjing County, traces its roots back 2,300 years.
Before an exquisite piece of black sand pottery comes to life, the clay must undergo a series of complex processes. It is baptized and refined, each step meticulously executed by skilled artisans who have inherited this traditional technique across generations.
In 2008, the Yingjing pottery-making technique was honored as a state-level intangible cultural heritage item. This recognition highlights not only the cultural significance of the craft but also the enduring bond between the people and their natural environment.
Yingjing black sand pottery stands as a testament to the harmonious relationship between man and nature. It embodies the essence of Sichuan’s cultural heritage, reminding us of the timeless beauty that emerges when human creativity meets the gifts of the earth.
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Where Nature Meets Culture: From black sand to exquisite pottery
cgtn.com
