Page 8 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (103)

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A kiln that has burned for over a thousand years

一窑炉火映千年

Upon entering the “Taochaju Tian’s craftsmanship. Her hand-crafted teapots are
Kiln” in Jianshui, Yunnan Province, visitors distinctly unique, reflecting over a decade
are greeted by a serene courtyard featuring of dedication to the protection, preservation,
traditional architecture, complemented by and promotion of this traditional art form.
a stunning display of purple pottery. The After over 1,000 years of development,
kiln’s owner, Tian Jing, graciously shares the capital of purple pottery has embraced ple pottery,
insights into the craftsmanship and cultural a revitalized identity. Archaeological stud- visitors from
heritage of purple pottery with visitors from ies confirm that Jianshui has been a center around the
diverse ethnic backgrounds. of primitive pottery production for thou- world can not
Jianshui is recognized as a national sands of years. Throughout the centuries— only discover ide-
historical and cultural city in China, home spanning the celadon of the Song Dynasty al products but also Xiang Bingcheng, head
to diverse ethnic groups including Han, Yi, (960-1279), the blue and white porcelain of participate in hands-on of Beishan Pottery Cultural
Hui, Hani, Dai, and Miao. The blend of Han the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the coarse experiences that highlight the Industry Co Ltd.
culture with the traditions of local minority pottery of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), unique charm of this traditional craft. In 2011, Xiang Bingcheng took a bold
groups has allowed Jianshui’s purple pottery and the purple pottery of the Qing Dynasty At Beishan Pottery Park in Jianshui step by departing from traditional sales
to stand out amid China’s myriad pottery arts. (1636-1912) —the craft has been lovingly County, a variety of purple pottery shapes methods for purple pottery. By harnessing
“For years, Jianshui purple pottery has preserved and passed down through gen- adorn the tranquil bamboo groves and the rich culture of purple pottery and the
absorbed various influences, marrying the erations of artisans. lakeside structures, with over 10,000 jars beauty of ceramic landscapes, he created a
ancient bronze culture of the Dian King- Today, with tourism flourishing, the in- creating a breathtaking visual display. “We cultural park that seamlessly integrates pur-
dom with the characteristics of Yunnan’s tegration of pottery and tourism in Jianshui have established a purple pottery craft ex- ple pottery with tourism. This initiative has
ethnic minorities,” said Tian, a provincial has yielded exciting new developments. In perience area in the park, attracting pottery not only enhanced the park’s visibility but
representative of Jianshui purple pottery the cultural industry park filled with pur- study groups from across the country and has also deeply embedded the significance
overseas who come to visit and learn,” said of purple pottery into the hearts of many.