Showcasing Dehua White Porcelain: A Glimpse into Cultural Heritage in Shanghai
The China Art Museum in Shanghai has opened its doors to the long-awaited exhibition, "Pure by Nature: The Art of Blanc de Chine," which features an impressive collection of over 200 white porcelain masterpieces crafted in Dehua, located in East China's Fujian Province. This exhibition marks a significant cultural event as part of the 36th Shanghai Tourism Festival, highlighting the artistic brilliance and historical importance of Dehua porcelain.
Curated by Zhang Xiaoling, the dean of the College of Fine Arts at East China Normal University, the exhibition is divided into three distinct sections, each one exploring different facets of Dehua porcelain's legacy and its modern interpretation. In the first section, "Vitality Through Innovation," classic works by contemporary masters are displayed alongside comparative pieces that showcase the evolution of this unique ceramic tradition. This juxtaposition aims to convey how Dehua porcelain has adapted over time while retaining its core values.
The second section, "Echoes of History," offers a chronological display that focuses on historical aspects of Dehua porcelain, including a centerpiece installation inspired by the famous "Taixing" shipwreck. This area includes rare and precious historical ceramics sourced from the Quanzhou Museum, illuminating the rich backstory of Dehua's contribution to the world of porcelain.
The final section, "Vessels of the Future," expands the boundaries of traditional ceramics, featuring experimental works that push the limits of form and subject matter. Among the notable exhibits is the iconic Dehua porcelain tripod, or "Shi Bo He Ding," which makes its return to Shanghai after its appearance at the 2010 Expo. Another noteworthy highlight is the polychrome sculpture known as the "wish-fulfilling Buddha," celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetic excellence.
Zhang Xiaoling has stated that this exhibition seeks to unveil the spiritual essence of Dehua porcelain while assessing its global significance, especially in light of its historical connection to the Maritime Silk Road. The pieces displayed not only reflect traditional Chinese values but also underscore the potential of Dehua porcelain in contemporary cultural spheres.
Having centuries of rich tradition in porcelain-making, Dehua white porcelain has served as an essential cultural export along ancient trade routes. Shanghai, recognized as a cradle of modern Chinese culture, has grown into a primary hub for the marketing, research, and collection of Dehua white porcelain.
The exhibition's opening event also saw the launch of a public education initiative titled "Painting on Porcelain", featuring live demonstrations from five masters of Dehua's intangible cultural heritage. Throughout the exhibition period, attendees can participate in various activities such as porcelain painting workshops, thematic lectures, guided tours led by experts, and even the chance to purchase specially curated cultural merchandise.
This collaborative effort between cultural institutions in Shanghai and Fujian aims to foster the revitalization of China’s outstanding traditional culture, while simultaneously strengthening cultural exchanges between regions and enhancing public cultural experiences. Visitors to the China Art Museum can immerse themselves in the elegance and timeless appeal of Dehua porcelain, experiencing firsthand the legacy and innovation of this remarkable art form.
Curated by Zhang Xiaoling, the dean of the College of Fine Arts at East China Normal University, the exhibition is divided into three distinct sections, each one exploring different facets of Dehua porcelain's legacy and its modern interpretation. In the first section, "Vitality Through Innovation," classic works by contemporary masters are displayed alongside comparative pieces that showcase the evolution of this unique ceramic tradition. This juxtaposition aims to convey how Dehua porcelain has adapted over time while retaining its core values.
The second section, "Echoes of History," offers a chronological display that focuses on historical aspects of Dehua porcelain, including a centerpiece installation inspired by the famous "Taixing" shipwreck. This area includes rare and precious historical ceramics sourced from the Quanzhou Museum, illuminating the rich backstory of Dehua's contribution to the world of porcelain.
The final section, "Vessels of the Future," expands the boundaries of traditional ceramics, featuring experimental works that push the limits of form and subject matter. Among the notable exhibits is the iconic Dehua porcelain tripod, or "Shi Bo He Ding," which makes its return to Shanghai after its appearance at the 2010 Expo. Another noteworthy highlight is the polychrome sculpture known as the "wish-fulfilling Buddha," celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetic excellence.
Zhang Xiaoling has stated that this exhibition seeks to unveil the spiritual essence of Dehua porcelain while assessing its global significance, especially in light of its historical connection to the Maritime Silk Road. The pieces displayed not only reflect traditional Chinese values but also underscore the potential of Dehua porcelain in contemporary cultural spheres.
Having centuries of rich tradition in porcelain-making, Dehua white porcelain has served as an essential cultural export along ancient trade routes. Shanghai, recognized as a cradle of modern Chinese culture, has grown into a primary hub for the marketing, research, and collection of Dehua white porcelain.
The exhibition's opening event also saw the launch of a public education initiative titled "Painting on Porcelain", featuring live demonstrations from five masters of Dehua's intangible cultural heritage. Throughout the exhibition period, attendees can participate in various activities such as porcelain painting workshops, thematic lectures, guided tours led by experts, and even the chance to purchase specially curated cultural merchandise.
This collaborative effort between cultural institutions in Shanghai and Fujian aims to foster the revitalization of China’s outstanding traditional culture, while simultaneously strengthening cultural exchanges between regions and enhancing public cultural experiences. Visitors to the China Art Museum can immerse themselves in the elegance and timeless appeal of Dehua porcelain, experiencing firsthand the legacy and innovation of this remarkable art form.
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