#China #Silk Road #Dehua Porcelain #Gubbio Maiolica #Gubbio

A Cultural Connection: Dehua Porcelain Meets Gubbio Maiolica

On November 14, 2025, the Umbrian town of Gubbio played host to an exceptional art exhibition entitled "The Road of White Porcelain - From China's Dehua to Italy's Gubbio." This event marked a pivotal moment in cultural exchange, as it showcased the exquisite white porcelain from Dehua, China, against the backdrop of Italy's rich maiolica tradition.

Located in central Fujian Province, Dehua is one of China's historic ceramic hubs, known for its remarkable craftsmanship in creating high-quality white porcelain that spans over a millennium. Wu Zhipu, the head of Dehua County, emphasized the significance of this exhibition, illustrating how it connects Dehua’s nuanced heritage with Gubbio’s vibrant ceramic designs and innovative glaze techniques.

The exhibition launched with great fanfare, featuring 41 remarkable pieces crafted by renowned Dehua artisans and recognized inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. Among the works displayed were examples highlighting classic Chinese white alongside contemporary aesthetics. This fusion establishes a dialogue between the serene elegance of Dehua’s porcelain and Gubbio’s colorful artistic expressions, showcasing how ceramics have historically facilitated exchanges along the Maritime Silk Road, as well as present-day cultural interactions.

Renewing Ties and Building Partnerships

As this year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, the timing of this exhibition is particularly poignant. Wu expressed hope that through intensified cultural exchange, the iconic "Blanc de Chine Dehua Porcelain" would attain greater recognition within Europe.

In a landmark move, Dehua and Gubbio signed a letter of intent to form a sister-city relationship. This partnership aims to deepen collaboration in several areas, including culture, industry, and logistics. A key component of this initiative is the introduction of a “dual-masters co-creation program,” which will see artisans from both regions partnering to push the boundaries of ceramic art.

Wu highlighted the importance of establishing connections in Italy, noting that Dehua plans to engage more broadly in Italian design events, strengthen ties with local business networks, and ultimately work towards creating a dedicated center for "Blanc de Chine Dehua Porcelain" in Italy.

The Future of Cross-Cultural Exchange

The implications of this exhibition extend beyond mere artistic exchange; they represent a renewal of historical ties rooted in trade and collaboration. The connection between Dehua and Gubbio serves as a modern reinterpretation of the Silk Road, where ancient practices meet contemporary innovation.

By embracing a shared heritage steeped in artistry, both regions are poised to explore and develop new avenues for cultural dialogue. Their collaboration demonstrates how craft and creativity can bridge geographical divides, recasting the narrative of old connections for a new generation.

In conclusion, the exhibition not only celebrates the artistry of porcelain and maiolica but also symbolizes the enduring relevance of cross-cultural partnerships in our increasingly interconnected world.