AsiaNet 0200269

NANCHANG, China, July 12, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--Jing Kiln's black pottery is celebrated for its qualities of being "as thin as paper, as hard as porcelain, sounding like a chime, and as black as lacquer," which is also revered as "the art of earth and fire."

Unearthed in Laohutun site, Jing'an, Jiangxi, a 4,500-year-old "eggshell (which means it is as thin as the eggshell)" black pottery wine vessel was found with its thinnest part measuring just 1 millimeter. What should be noticed is that, this crafting technique was lost for a time but has been meticulously revived and upgraded by the inheritors of Jing Kiln's intangible cultural heritage.

They have achieved a historic breakthrough: producing unglazed black porcelain with the thinnest part reaching 0.2 millimeters. This technique has been included in the provincial intangible cultural heritage list. To put it more specific, the process involves making the embryo, shaping, polishing, and firing in the kiln. The pieces enter the kiln as one color and emerge with multiple colors.

Power enables the revival of intangible heritage, breathing new life into traditional crafts. Modern technology is integrated with ancient techniques -- constant speed control ensures more perfect and exquisite shapes. In addition, regular visits properly address electricity needs. Efforts have been made to support the establishment of craft experience workshops and build black pottery art galleries. Inspections of internal wiring on a continual basis eliminate electrical hazards, which provide stable power for the creation of fine pieces. Jiangxi Electric Power strive to safeguard the millennia-old heritage of these traditional crafts.

Source: State Grid Jiangxi Electric Power Co., Ltd.