China's ceramics capital seeks to build global brands
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E-mail Xinhua, October 22, 2015
MODERN CHALLENGE
However, master porcelain artist Duan Zhenmin said restoring the city's past glory in the ceramics market faces a major challenge because it lacks famous international brands.
"You can't find a Chinese name on the list of the world's top luxury ceramic brands. Jingdezhen is only a place of origin shared by local pottery makers," said Duan, who founded the Jiuduanshao Ceramics Factory.
By contrast, a number of heavyweight manufacturers have emerged over the past two centuries as suppliers for European royals, aristocrats and luxury consumers, including Royal Copenhagen, France's GIEN, Hungary's Herend, the UK's Royal Doulton and Wedgewood and Germany's Meissen.
"The absence of an international brand in Jingdezhen also brings an opportunity, and we are aiming to renew the heritage of royal quality," said Huang Bin of the Imperial Kiln.
To protect its production techniques and better guarantee quality, the Imperial Kiln Company has given a special ID to each of its products. Local government is also building a database in an attempt to track luxury porcelain for exports.
Bian Xiaodong, a pottery maker in Jingdezhen, is confident about the city's ability to gain a foothold in the world's high-end ceramics market if local industry can act quickly to build brands.
"Most domestic masters have dedicated themselves to the design of single works, failing to promote their products under a brand name. But we still have the best production techniques," he said.
He said one example is the tableware designed by master Huang Chunmao with the China Central Academy of Fine Arts for an evening banquet at the 2014 APEC summit in Beijing, which was attended by national leaders and high-ranking guests from 20 countries.
Inspired by the teacups of the Song Dynasty (960-1276), the tableware, which combined modern techniques and traditional enamel craft, was impressive and received industry recognition, according to Bian.
To inspire innovation and cooperation, an industrial park featuring artists' studios and workshops recently opened in Jingdezhen, where masters of hand-made porcelain and those who use special techniques can produce and exhibit their works.
Wu Jiangzhong, a local ceramics master who specializes in large chinaware, has moved his kiln to Mingfang Park and expects it to boost the industry in the global market.
"Each studio has its unique technique passed down from the old generations and special customers. If we work together, we can inspire and foster our porcelain culture and create a brighter future," said Wu.
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