#Italy #Cultural Exchange #Dehua Porcelain #Gubbio #Italian Majolica

The Cultural Exchange: Dehua's Blanc de Chine Meets Italian Majolica

On November 14, 2025, the historical town of Gubbio in Italy hosted the opening of an extraordinary art exhibition entitled "The Road of White Porcelain - From China's Dehua to Italy's Gubbio." This event marks a significant step in strengthening Sino-Italian cultural ties, particularly as it celebrates the remarkable heritage of Dehua's renowned white porcelain.

Dehua, located in the Fujian province, is one of China’s ancient centers known for its exquisite porcelain craftsmanship, particularly the classic white porcelain, known as Blanc de Chine. During the exhibition launch, Wu Zhipu, the mayor of Dehua, articulated the significance of the shared cultural heritage between China and Italy, stating that Dehua’s products have historically made their way to Europe, often attributed to explorers like Marco Polo.

Wu also highlighted that the exhibition at Gubbio serves not just as a showcase of artistic talent but as a platform for renewed collaboration between the two cultures. Celebrating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, this event aims to invigorate cultural exchanges, allowing China’s luminous porcelain to shine brightly in the heart of Europe.

A Celebration of Craftsmanship

The exhibition features 41 outstanding pieces crafted by Dehua's master artisans and inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. These artworks cleverly combine traditional aesthetic elements of Blanc de Chine with modern artistic expressions, symbolizing a cultural dialogue between the austere elegance of Dehua's porcelain and the vibrant traditions of Gubbio's majolica.

The historical role that ceramics played in the ancient Maritime Silk Road trade is also highlighted, drawing parallels to contemporary cultural exchanges. As the mayor points out, the blending of past and present aesthetics is pivotal to understanding our shared legacy. The pieces showcased at the exhibition present a unique narrative, bridging centuries of artistry and technique into a modern context.

A New Chapter in Cooperation

Prior to the event, Dehua and Gubbio formalized their partnership through a letter of intent, emphasizing their commitment to fostering cultural and industrial cooperation. Wu envisions a deeper collaboration that encompasses joint creation projects which will unite artisans from both regions, promoting cross-cultural learning and exchange.

Dehua is also taking steps to expand its international presence, with plans to participate in key Italian design events, aiming to enhance visibility and engagement with local business networks. The county has ambitions to establish a dedicated center for Blanc de Chine in Italy, further solidifying its commitment to cultural diplomacy and exchange through the medium of porcelain.

Conclusion: Heritage Meets Innovation

In this way, Dehua and Gubbio are not simply reviving an old connection along the Silk Road; they are redefining it for a modern audience. Emphasizing the continuity of tradition while embracing contemporary creativity illustrates the potential for cultural engagement in today’s globalized world. This exhibition stands as a compelling testament to how art can transcend borders, creating new pathways for dialogue and mutual appreciation between civilizations. Through porcelain, these two regions are renewing their links and embarking on a journey of artistic and cultural exploration together.