The Revival of the Silk Road: Exploring Chinese Blanc de Chine Porcelain and Italian Maiolica

On November 14, 2025, a significant event unfolded in Gubbio, a picturesque hill town in Umbria, Italy, as it inaugurated the art exhibition titled "The Road of White Porcelain - From China's Dehua to Italy's Gubbio". This event marks a momentous chapter in the rich heritage of Dehua porcelain, celebrated for its pristine white finish that has captured hearts globally.

Dehua County, located in Fujian Province, is recognized as one of the birthplaces of Chinese ceramic culture. Wu Zhipu, the head of Dehua County, shared insights in an interview with Xinhua about the historical significance of Dehua, known for its millennia-old legacy in porcelain production. He emphasized how the county’s exquisite white porcelain is now showcased in prominent locations such as St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. The historic belief that Marco Polo introduced samples of Dehua porcelain to Europe adds a layer of cultural memory that serves as a unique foundation for rejuvenating collaboration between these cultures.

As we celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, Wu expressed anticipation for cultural exchanges to flourish, hoping that the Blanc de Chine porcelain from Dehua will shine even brighter across Europe. The exhibition features 41 remarkable pieces by master artisans from Dehua, highlighting both the classic elements of traditional Chinese porcelain and modern aesthetic influences. This blend creates a dialogue between Dehua's elegant simplicity and the vibrant traditions of Gubbio, home to exquisite maiolica and ceramic design.

Wu pointed out that this cultural interaction underscores the historical significance of ceramics in exchanges that occurred along the maritime Silk Road, which continues to play a vital role in contemporary cultural dialogues.

In an exciting prelude to the exhibition, Dehua and Gubbio signed a letter of intent to develop sister city relationships. Wu is optimistic that this partnership will deepen collaboration in culture, industry, and logistics, noting a proposed program connecting artisans from both regions for mutual creative projects.

Looking to the future, Dehua aims to enhance its cultural presence in Italy while fostering outbound and inbound exchanges. Plans are underway for Dehua to participate in larger design events throughout Italy, strengthening ties with local business networks and establishing a center for Blanc de Chine porcelain within the country. This effort reaffirms their commitment to reviving Silk Road connections for a new era, uniting ancient heritage with modern creativity and broadening opportunities for cultural exchange between China and Italy.

Through initiatives such as these, the story of porcelain continues to bridge cultures, enhancing mutual understanding and appreciation. The revival of connections along the Silk Road heralds a new opportunity to explore the rich narratives interwoven in the art of ceramics, fostering an everlasting dialogue between two vibrant cultures steeped in history and tradition.