Jingdezhen
景德镇 · Zhushan District, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, China
Jingdezhen, known as the "Porcelain Capital", is a city that is a craft; at the Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Exposition Area you can see centuries of kilns and handmade porcelain in one place.
Know before you go
- Do not casually touch unfired pieces, works in progress or exhibits
- do not interrupt artisans during demonstrations or push in for close-up photos
- do not be taken in by claims of "antiques" or "genuine imperial-kiln pieces"
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Named after a reign period
Jingdezhen takes its name from the Jingde reign period of the Song emperor Zhenzong, and became an important kiln centre around 1004.
Source: Wikipedia: Jingdezhen porcelain
History
The imperial kiln's rejects
In the Ming dynasty the Imperial Kiln Factory fired porcelain exclusively for the court, and flawed pieces were smashed on the spot so that none reached the market.
Source: Wikipedia: Jingdezhen porcelain
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Jingdezhen takes its name from the Jingde reign period of the Song emperor Zhenzong and became an important kiln centre around 1004; from the 14th century it became China's largest centre of porcelain production, as it remains today. From the Ming dynasty, the official kilns were controlled by the court and fired porcelain for the palace; the Imperial Kiln Factory was formally established in the Hongwu reign, in the Zhushan area. The Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Exposition Area brings together kiln types from the Song to the Qing, such as the Song dragon kiln, the Yuan mantou kiln, the Ming gourd kiln and the Qing Zhen kiln, along with demonstrations of the whole handmade porcelain process — a live classroom for understanding the four famous porcelains (blue-and-white, linglong rice-grain, famille rose and coloured glaze) as well as eggshell and sculptural wares.
Local customs
- At the Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Exposition Area, see kilns from successive dynasties and hand demonstrations of throwing, trimming, painting and glazing, and listen to music played on porcelain instruments
- around the Imperial Kiln Factory, see the imperial kiln ruins and the Imperial Kiln Museum
- in Taoxichuan, explore the creative quarter in converted factory buildings and the work of independent ceramicists
- if you can, try throwing a pot yourself.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not casually touch unfired pieces, works in progress or exhibits
- do not interrupt artisans during demonstrations or push in for close-up photos
- do not be taken in by claims of "antiques" or "genuine imperial-kiln pieces"
Locals appreciate DO
- Follow each workshop's photography rules
- inspect porcelain in front of the seller and handle it gently
- ask the seller to pack valuable pieces carefully
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Porcelain breaks easily, so leave room in your luggage for protective packing
- split kilns, museums and markets between morning and afternoon rather than rushing through
- as a general visitor, focus on appreciating the craft and contemporary work. Within the city, link the Ancient Kiln, Imperial Kiln and Taoxichuan sites by bus, taxi or on foot
- from elsewhere, travel first to central Jingdezhen and then use local transport. For tickets and other fees, refer to official announcements.
- Jingdezhen can be visited all year, and indoor kiln displays and museums are unaffected by the season
- guard against the heat in summer, and dress for the wind and cold at outdoor ceramics markets in winter
- for market and festival dates, refer to official announcements.
Sources & verification notes
China Culture: Experience porcelain and ancient kiln culture in Jingdezhen
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