Preserving the ancient traditions

China De La Vega, an Australian potter and painter, enjoys life and work in Jingdezhen. Zhang Hao / China Daily

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According to Lee, her workshop in the UK has been using 3-D printing technology, but at Sanbao, most of the work, from throwing to glazing, is done by hand. "Sometimes when you work in a very high-tech environment, it's good to give oneself a three-month break, to get grounded, to work in a traditional way, and refresh myself," she said.

Sanbao is usually open to artists, mainly potters, but painters, writers and musicians also use the facilities, according to Li Wenying, the institute's manager.

Applicants hand in photos of their work and their plans for their stay at Sanbao. If their application is accepted, the institute provides accommodation and a studio at a cost of $350 a week.

"We cooperate with galleries overseas and they send their artists here," Li Wenying said. "We also provide part-time jobs and scholarships for those who want to come here."

According to its founder, in addition to providing a work place for artists, Sanbao is also engaged in the protection of ancient Chinese ceramic traditions. Last year, the institute paid 170,000 yuan ($27,300) for four water-powered hammers, which are used to smash China stone and make clay.

"I'd never seen them before. If Sanbao hadn't bought them, the hammers would have been torn down and disappeared," said Jerzy Mazur, a potter from the UK.

According to Li Jianshen, working in ceramics is a unique experience; when the clay is thrown onto the potter's wheel every piece is a different because of the human element. Li is hoping that the local authorities and art foundations will support Sanbao and help the institute to preserve more aspects of the Chinese ceramic tradition.

"Porcelain made a spectacular impact nearly everywhere it was transported, and its ethereal beauty has become an icon of Chinese culture," he said. "It should be seen as a flagship whenever people are introducing Chinese culture to the international community."