Exploring the Cultural Ties between Dehua China's White Porcelain and Italian Maiolica
On November 14, 2025, the art exhibition titled "The Road of White Porcelain - From China's Dehua to Italy's Gubbio" was launched in Gubbio, Italy, marking a significant moment in the cultural dialogue between these two regions. Dehua, located in Fujian Province, is renowned for its exquisite white porcelain, while Gubbio in Umbria is celebrated for its rich tradition of maiolica pottery. Wu Zhipu, the head of Dehua County, expressed in an interview that both locations share a common cultural heritage that serves as a foundation for renewed cooperation.
Dehua's porcelain has traveled to grand locations like St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, and historical accounts suggest that Marco Polo brought Dehua pieces back to Europe, establishing a long-standing connection. As this year commemorates the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, Wu emphasized the hope that the exhibition would enhance the visibility of Dehua porcelain in Europe. The display comprises 41 masterpieces that showcase a blend of traditional "Chinese white" aesthetics and modern artistic elements, bridging the understated elegance of Dehua with Gubbio's vibrant craft traditions.
This artistic dialogue also reflects the historical role of ceramics in maritime Silk Road exchanges and current cultural interactions. Signed just before the exhibition, a letter of intent to establish a twinning relationship between Dehua and Gubbio promises deeper cooperation across cultural, industrial, and logistical spheres. Wu envisions a future where artisans from both regions collaborate through a "dual master co-creation program."
Dehua is keen on enhancing its connections and promoting cultural exchanges with Italy, planning to participate in esteemed Italian design events and fostering relationships with local business networks. The county is also in discussions to develop a "Blanc de Chine: Dehua Porcelain" center in Italy, which aims to present the beauty of Dehua porcelain while fostering a continuous cultural dialogue.
United by their shared porcelain heritage, Dehua and Gubbio are not only strengthening historical ties but are also eager to explore new avenues of cultural exchange, marrying ancient craftsmanship with modern creativity to create broader platforms for interaction between China and Italy.
This exhibition is more than just a display of art; it signifies a revitalization of the Silk Road connections, promising a future where cultural exchanges thrive and artisans from both sides can learn, create, and innovate together. As we look forward, the potential for artistic collaboration remains boundless, opening new doors for the dialogue between these two rich cultural heritages.
Dehua's porcelain has traveled to grand locations like St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, and historical accounts suggest that Marco Polo brought Dehua pieces back to Europe, establishing a long-standing connection. As this year commemorates the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, Wu emphasized the hope that the exhibition would enhance the visibility of Dehua porcelain in Europe. The display comprises 41 masterpieces that showcase a blend of traditional "Chinese white" aesthetics and modern artistic elements, bridging the understated elegance of Dehua with Gubbio's vibrant craft traditions.
This artistic dialogue also reflects the historical role of ceramics in maritime Silk Road exchanges and current cultural interactions. Signed just before the exhibition, a letter of intent to establish a twinning relationship between Dehua and Gubbio promises deeper cooperation across cultural, industrial, and logistical spheres. Wu envisions a future where artisans from both regions collaborate through a "dual master co-creation program."
Dehua is keen on enhancing its connections and promoting cultural exchanges with Italy, planning to participate in esteemed Italian design events and fostering relationships with local business networks. The county is also in discussions to develop a "Blanc de Chine: Dehua Porcelain" center in Italy, which aims to present the beauty of Dehua porcelain while fostering a continuous cultural dialogue.
United by their shared porcelain heritage, Dehua and Gubbio are not only strengthening historical ties but are also eager to explore new avenues of cultural exchange, marrying ancient craftsmanship with modern creativity to create broader platforms for interaction between China and Italy.
This exhibition is more than just a display of art; it signifies a revitalization of the Silk Road connections, promising a future where cultural exchanges thrive and artisans from both sides can learn, create, and innovate together. As we look forward, the potential for artistic collaboration remains boundless, opening new doors for the dialogue between these two rich cultural heritages.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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