Vessel of culture

Zhan Xiangsheng demonstrates his craftsmanship of glazing the unburned earthware at the Jingdezhen ancient kilns. Zhan, in his 70s, has devoted his life to the trade.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Australian Naoko Yehenara creates modern pieces depicting her homeland's flowers, birds and blue skies, and flower arrangements in porcelain vases.

She's constructing an exhibition room.

"Jingdezhen is a sacred place for porcelain," she says.

"The atmosphere makes me much more creative."

She stays in the city for half of every year.

"Back in Australia, I had to do everything, from casting earthenware to firing," she says.

"It was exhausting. I could only make a few pieces a month."

She used to ask her students to help. But they can't compare to Jingdezhen's skilled craftspeople.

Yehenara hires locals to reproduce molds she makes on larger scales.

"I can find the best materials here, which can endure high temperatures," she says.

"That's crucial to bringing out the distinctive colors."

The presence of foreign artists has given the city an international flair.

Yehenara says she often runs into old friends from elsewhere in Jingdezhen, including one she hadn't seen in five years.

Many foreigners visit the weekend porcelain fairs.

Visitors can easily see how porcelain continues to sculpt Jingdezhen's legacy.