This Precious Life

Almost every temple, house, garden and park we visited had boasted of ceramic decor made by the artisans of Shiwan town. Shiwan’s ceramics have been famous throughout China since the Song Dynasty 5000 years ago. The Nanfeng Kiln is the oldest working kiln here, its wood-fire furnace was built more than 500 years ago.

A book on Shiwan ceramics describes,

Among the ceramic sculptures of China, none can surpass the Shiwan figures in terms of modeling, vivid expression, and colorful glazes.

A fair maiden standing in the middle of a lake. She is entirely made of clay. The only thing she’s missing is the breath of life, and some internal organs.

A potter made of clay.

While we were here, an artist demonstrated how he shapes a simple pot. It looks easy but it requires great precision otherwise the pot will sway and squish and you will have a lump. I wish that I saw the pot being fired in the roaring flames of the furnace as well. Too bad I was only here for such a short while.

Even the birds here seem more romantic. I wish I am the pigeon on the left. :)

All these red brick buildings around the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln are workshops. Inside each, you will see ceramic artists busily scultping away their latest piece. If I had more time here, I would have explored every workshop and chatted with the artists. Heck, I might even live here for a while.

You can, if you want to. You can even sign up for ceramic art lessons while you are staying here. There are camps held every year.

Perhaps after a few years of honing your skills, you will be able to create a sculpture as pretty and precious as this carp.

All photos on this post taken with a Canon EOS 50D

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