The Study in Jiangxi: Jingdezhen Ceramic Culture Tour took place from October 31 to November 2. Organized by the Jiangxi International Communication University Alliance and hosted by Jingdezhen Ceramic University, the event aimed to leverage the role of the Alliance in strengthening international communication research and enhancing communication effectiveness. By using ceramics as a medium, the event invited international students from Alliance universities to visit Jingdezhen, the "World Porcelain Capital," where they could experience the charm of ceramic culture firsthand. This initiative was designed to further ignite their interest and passion for Chinese culture, fostering cultural exchange and integration between China and other countries.
In-depth Visits to Appreciate the Beauty of Ceramics
On the morning of November 1, the international students visited the China Ceramic Museum, where they explored the museum’s rich collection. They were immersed in the unique charm of ceramic works from different historical periods. From ancient pottery-making techniques to exquisite porcelain shapes, each exhibit tells the story of China’s long-standing ceramic culture. In the afternoon, they visited the Imperial Kiln Factory and the Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District, where they admired the ancient kiln sites and traditional porcelain-making demonstrations, experiencing the essence of ceramic culture. In the evening, their visit to Taoxichuan Art District allowed them to appreciate the innovative charm of modern ceramic art, where tradition and modernity collided, sparking fresh insights into the commercial and artistic value of ceramics.
Khan, a student from Nanchang Institute of Engineering, expressed his excitement, “Seeing these ancient skills and culture is truly inspiring. I want to record the beautiful ancient buildings, workshops, and ceramics here and send them to my family so they can also feel the charm of Chinese culture.” This visit not only provided the international students with a more comprehensive understanding of ceramic culture but also built a stronger bridge for the international dissemination of ceramic culture.
Cultural Dialogue and Exploration of Artistic Meaning
On the afternoon of November 1, visiting international students arrived at Jingpiao Home in Jingdezhen—a hub for ceramic culture and international communication—located at the Hutian Ceramic Society. There, they visited the personal art exhibition Inheritance in Patterns by the university’s outstanding alumnus, Zhang Chen, and engaged in an insightful exchange.
Zhang began by sharing the founding purpose, the backstory, and the development journey of Jingpiao Home. He explained that it is not only a gathering place for ceramic art enthusiasts but also a window to showcase the charm of Chinese ceramic culture to the world. Zhang then introduced each of his works in the exhibition, explaining their design inspiration, production techniques, and the final works. Every detail revealed his unique perspective on ceramic art.
During the exchange session, Zhang Chen and Zou Yitong, a graduate student in Sculpture at the JCU School of Fine Arts, engaged in in-depth conversations with the international students. They talked about the development of ceramic culture, from its ancient glory to its contemporary inheritance and innovation. Each phase was filled with legendary stories. Zhang encouraged the students to try their hand at ceramic art creation, emphasizing the importance of firsthand experience to fully appreciate the unique charm of this ancient art form.
The international students expressed that this activity not only provided them with a more comprehensive and profound understanding of Chinese ceramic culture but also sparked their strong interest and enthusiasm for art creation.
Hands-On Experience: Learning Ceramic Techniques
On the morning of November 2, international students participated in an interactive ceramic-making workshop hosted by the School of Fine Arts at JCU. The session offered a deeper exploration of ceramic techniques.
The activity began with a professional instructor demonstrating ceramic-making processes, which drew admiration from the students, many of whom couldn’t wait to try for themselves. Under the guidance of the instructor, the students then engaged in various hands-on activities, including wheel throwing, ceramic painting, and creating imaginative pieces.
During the session, Bota, a 2023 student of Acupuncture and Tuina from Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, shared his thoughts, “Watching the instructor craft ceramics and participating in the process are two completely different experiences. This workshop helped me better understand the cultural significance behind ceramics and the effort and dedication involved in their creation. I hope to return to Jingdezhen again to learn more about ceramic culture.”
After the workshop, Song Yiren, a master’s student in International Business at Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, shared her thoughts, “For most of us, this was our first time experiencing ceramics firsthand, before, we had only seen the process online. Through these two days, I’ve grown to love Chinese and Jingdezhen’s ceramic culture even more—it’s truly amazing!”
This exchange activity strengthened communication and collaboration between JCU and universities in Nanchang. It allowed international students to experience and learn through practice, gaining a more direct and profound understanding of the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese culture. Together, participants explored the charm and value of ceramic culture, contributing to telling China’s stories and sharing its voice with the world.
Reported by Zhu Ruomen, Shuai Longmei
Photos by An Jiahe, Liu Changlin
