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We should develop new forms of business and new models of consumption in the cultural sector, so that the people have a
stronger sense of fulfillment and happiness from enjoying refined cultural products and services.
——Excerpt from the third volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China
培育新型文化业态和文化消费模式,以高质量文化供给增强人们的文化获得感、幸福感。
——摘自《习近平谈治国理政》第三卷
Walking into the Pan’s Dragon Kiln in Daying Shaohua recounted, his ancestors exclusively utilized
Community, Jiuxi Town, Jiangchuan District, Yuxi locally sourced materials for pottery making, refrain-
City, you will feel the profound history of this 50-me- ing from incorporating any chemical additives. Em-
ter-long kiln. ploying traditional firing methods, the pottery items
“The Dragon Kiln is situated on the mountain side produced were characterized by durability and a sense
and earned its name due to its resemblance to a drag- of rustic elegance. Dating back to ancient eras, the
on. It is an ascending kiln comprised of a total of 17 wine urns, pickle jars, and various pots crafted by the
pits. This kiln existed before my ancestors settled in Dragon Kiln gained renown for their utility and found
Jiuxi, and now, no one can accurately determine its widespread usage in the everyday lives of local resi-
age,” said Pan Shaohua, the current custodian of the dents.
Dragon Kiln, as he searched through a genealogy book Amid the swift evolution of modern society, Shao-
of the Pan family. Over 300 years ago, Shaohua’s hua is dedicated to enhancing the quality of pottery
ancestors were engaged in pottery making in Yuxi. Pan’s Dragon Kiln pieces, aiming to elevate them from everyday items to
During the Qing Dynasty, the Pan family established true works of art.
themselves in Jiuxi, Jiangchuan, and for five genera- “In the past, no one was willing to teach pottery
tions to date, they have carried on the tradition of fir- in Jiangchuan: making skills to others, so mastery was achieved
ing the Dragon Kiln, known as the Pan’s Dragon Kiln. through a trial-and-error process, often accompanied
Inspired by his grandparents, Shaohua started creat- passing the flame by inevitable difficulties,” explained Shaohua. He has
ing pottery at 13, and by 15, he was able to craft pottery inherited the generations-old tradition of pottery mak-
independently. Day by day, year after year, Shaohua ing, skillfully transforming plain clay into refined art
dedicated himself to honing his pottery skills towards ex- pieces using a potter’s wheel. Over time, Pan’s Dragon
cellence. Today, recognized as a district-level inheritor of 江川潘氏龙窑: Kiln has evolved by infusing diverse cultural elements
intangible cultural heritage, he stands as a master crafts- into their pottery creations, resulting in pieces that
man in the art of pottery making. exhibit enhanced beauty, intricacy, and a variety of
“A piece of pottery goes through over 70 steps, in- 匠心不灭 shapes, patterns, and production techniques. Through
cluding greenware throwing, fettling, glazing, loading, constant innovation, these pottery items now cater
and firing. While the process may appear simple, with- more closely to the market demand for artisanal crafts
out consistent daily practice, achieving high-quality 龙窑不熄 and gifts, with their range expanding from dozens to
pottery is impossible,” said Shaohua. Throughout his hundreds, illustrating the enduring vibrancy of this an-
lifetime, he has immersed himself in pottery making, cient kiln.
meticulously overseeing each step with unwavering wenlvnews.com □ 文旅头条 Amid the current surge in educational tours this
dedication. To him, every pottery piece is akin to his year, Shaohua has seized the opportunity to draw a
own child, deserving of his utmost care and attention. larger audience to the Dragon Kiln, enabling visitors
The key distinctions between a master pottery maker to immerse themselves in the historical and cultural
and a mediocre one lie in their greenware throwing and legacy of this wood-fired kiln. Collaborating closely
fettling abilities. At Pan’s Dragon Kiln, pine wood is with the township government and local schools, he
used as fuel, with the turpentine content aiding in rapidly has established a practical learning hub. By offering
reaching the necessary high temperatures. This unique complimentary instruction in pottery making tech-
approach allows the kiln to create pottery pieces that ex- niques and firing pottery pieces, the kiln has provided
ude elegance and classic simplicity. Nevertheless, owing numerous primary and secondary school students with
to the varying heat levels among the kiln’s wind holes, immersive experiences in the art of pottery produc-
the glaze colors differ, resulting in each kiln opening tion. This initiative has injected youthful enthusiasm
yielding pleasantly surprising outcomes. into pottery making, further nurturing this intangible
“When a wood-fired kiln is used, maintaining cultural heritage.
the heat level can be challenging once the fire is lit. “The process of creating pottery is akin to journey-
Throughout the firing process, firewood needs to be ing through time. Rooted in mud and fire, this ancient
added through the wind holes, and even the slightest craft has been transmitted through generations via oral
error can result in failure. Consequently, only a small tradition. Upon beholding these exquisitely shaped and
percentage of greenware pieces will meet the standard vibrantly colored pieces, one can sense the potters’ un-
to become finished products. Despite this, the wood- wavering dedication and creative drive, which serve as
fired kiln boasts unparalleled advantages,” explained a profound well of inspiration,” said Zhang Tengyue, a
Shaohua. Due to the age of the Dragon Kiln, Shaohua university junior. With a fervent curiosity and deep love
undertakes annual renovations. Today, the kiln has for the traditional methods of pottery making, Tengyue
transitioned from an earth kiln to a combination of holds firm to the belief that her handcrafted pottery, once
brick and earth construction. Nonetheless, the tradition fired in the kiln, will embody a lasting essence and signif-
of pottery making persists, ensuring the legacy and icance reflective of her relentless pursuit.
evolution of the Pan ancestors’ skills in pottery crafts- Proudly, Shaohua remarked, “Pan’s Dragon Kiln
manship. stands as a testament to the evolution of pottery in Ji-
Jiuxi Township boasts exceptional natural resourc- angchuan across centuries. I have faith that the eternal
es, particularly an abundance of compression-resistant, flame of the kiln will persist, breathing new life into
tensile clay ideal for crafting exquisite pottery. As our pottery once more.”