Global dialogue as fine as porcelain
Artists of Dehua county receive support in their works going overseas, as they innovate the centuries-old craft known as 'ivory white', Yang Feiyue reports.
Charting the future
Building on current achievements, Dehua has charted a more ambitious course for 2026.
A new international touring exhibition will set sail for London, Geneva, Belgrade, and Lisbon, officials revealed at the launch ceremony in Beijing.
Zodiac-themed porcelain works for the Year of the Horse will be highlighted to connect Chinese people worldwide.
Furthermore, a comprehensive support ecosystem is being built, including an international ceramic culture week in the autumn to gather global porcelain enthusiasts and an international competition to spark creativity.
Meanwhile, a multilingual media matrix will tell the millennia-old story of Dehua porcelain.
The ongoing global initiative also seeks to integrate global supply chains and e-commerce networks, ensuring that Dehua porcelain will reach global consumers efficiently.
Zhang Weiguo, director-general of the China Center of International Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion, notes that ceramics have long served as an enduring medium through which Chinese civilization engages in dialogue with the world.
"Dehua white porcelain was exported overseas as early as the Song and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties and gained fame during the Ming Dynasty as Blanc de Chine," Zhang says.
"Today, as a symbol of cultural exchange among BRICS countries and beyond, it continues to play a vivid role in cross-cultural communication," he observes.
For Li Jinfeng, the rising international recognition not only better showcases his works abroad but has reshaped his creative philosophy.
Initially, as his pieces began reaching international audiences, he began to think about how his art could bridge cultural divides.
Yet, the answer revealed itself through personal connections with international guests.
For instance, he met a Russian violinist who visited his studio and was deeply moved by his traditional Chinese figurative sculptures.
"His genuine, instinctive appreciation was a revelation," Li recalls.
"It showed me that our cultural essence, when rendered with authenticity and mastery, carries a universal language. It doesn't require dilution or adaptation for foreign tastes."
He believes the key lies in balancing tradition and modernity.
"Tradition is our root; we employ classic techniques in our craft while infusing contemporary sensibilities into the creation process," he explains.
"This allows the work to resonate with modern audiences and meet the demands of today's market, all while staying true to its cultural essence."
