The Ceramic City

Jingdezhen is an incredible city (although the people I talk to would refer to it as a small town- despite the fact that it does house approximately one million people.) The thing I find truly unique here is that porcelain and it's production seem to be the central force and focus of the area even outside of the Pottery Workshop.

We spent a day exploring different areas nearby and found lots of studios and shops of interest.  

I could not imagine any other place on earth where it would be a common site to see a cart loaded with porcelain being wheeled through the traffic! 

I could not imagine any other place on earth where it would be a common site to see a cart loaded with porcelain being wheeled through the traffic! 

There is porcelain out drying in every little possible corner when the weather is good.

There is porcelain out drying in every little possible corner when the weather is good.

A master 'big pot' turner at work. These pots are thrown, turned and trimmed in three or four parts and then joined while trimming on the wheel. Here he is putting on the base which is a thick heavy disk to counterweight the vases height and make it…

A master 'big pot' turner at work. These pots are thrown, turned and trimmed in three or four parts and then joined while trimming on the wheel. Here he is putting on the base which is a thick heavy disk to counterweight the vases height and make it stable.

A little factory selling bisquewares.

A little factory selling bisquewares.

A little shop selling glazed porcelain vases for decoration.

A little shop selling glazed porcelain vases for decoration.

Greenware pots line the train tracks in one of the throwing and casting areas. 

Greenware pots line the train tracks in one of the throwing and casting areas. 

On our way through the 'tool shop area' to 'decal street'. It seems there is a street, area or ally for any particular thing you may need which makes perfect sense and saves on driving right around the city. So far I have experienced the 'big tile s…

On our way through the 'tool shop area' to 'decal street'. It seems there is a street, area or ally for any particular thing you may need which makes perfect sense and saves on driving right around the city. So far I have experienced the 'big tile street', 'over glaze street', 'scooter street' and even the 'traditional wooden stand area' just to name a few.

Finding plates in another little greenware factory for our traditional classes coming up.

Finding plates in another little greenware factory for our traditional classes coming up.

Shopping for greenware in one of the many casting factories. There are just so many to choose from! 

Shopping for greenware in one of the many casting factories. There are just so many to choose from!