Simply put, Jingdezhen is one of the most amazing places in China. And if you’re into ceramics, Jingdezhen is arguably one of the most amazing places in the world.
The History
Jingdezhen, the “Porcelain capital of the world”, has been producing ceramics for over one thousand years. Way back in the Song Dynasty, Emperor Zhen Zhong gave a small town named Changnan an imperial order for ceramics. The pieces were all stamped with the name of the emperor’s era name, “Jing de”, and Changnan gradually assumed the name “Jingdezhen”. Once the imperial kilns were established, artisans from the north migrated to Jingdezhen, bringing skills and advanced techniques. Jingdezhen’s porcelain wares soon became famous throughout the world.
Jingdezhen Today
Today, Jingdezhen is an interesting mix of old and new. Throughout the city you will find the remains of old ceramics factories, most of which are now officially closed. But the ruins are now populated with small ceramics workshops which produce a wide range of porcelain ware.
In fact, on almost every street in Jingdezhen you can find workshops. Out of those that don’t actually make ceramics, many are devoted to supporting the ceramics industry. Local craftspeople make everything required for producing ceramics- brushes, glazes, tools, kilns, carts, decals, and on and on.
From slipcast production wares to handmade masterpieces, Jingdezhen is still the number one supplier of porcelain to the world. Aside from porcelain ware, there still remains a minority of producers of folk pottery, many of whom use local stoneware clay bodies and traditional methods of production.
Around Jingdezhen
Tian Bao Dragon Kiln
The Tian Bao pottery, just outside of Jingdezhen, is one of the last remaining active Dragon Kilns in China. It is 60 meters long and is fired with local wood and brush. Typical ware produced here includes large pickling and water storage jars, which have a unique look due to the atmospheric firing.
Yaoli Village
Yaoli Village is a preserved village resting along the banks of a small river. Here you’ll find beautiful examples of early architecture, as well as the traditional way of life.
Nanchang
About 4 hours drive from Jingdezhen is the capital of Jiangxi province, Nanchang. It’s roughly double the size of Jingdezhen and has more of the feel of a big, modern Chinese city. Of particular interest to artists is Nanchang’s history of bronze casting. The industry is still active today, and we can advise you on casting options if you desire.
Wuyuan
Wuyuan county, a one hour’s drive from Jingdezhen, is renowned throughout China for it’s green tea. Here you’ll find picturesque villages- a true glimpse into “old” China.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
The Huangshan (literally Yellow Mountain) is a mountain range in southern Anhui province, about three or four hours by train from Jingdezhen. The area is very famous for its scenic beauty, which lies in the peculiar shapes of the granite peaks, in the weather-shaped Huangshan Pine trees, and in views of the clouds from above. The area also has hot springs and natural pools. The Huang Shan are a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature. Today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most popular tourist destinations.
Links
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