Guangdong | The protection and inheritance of Shiwan ceramics culture

Shiwan ceramics, a traditional cultural treasure of Foshan in Guangdong Province, represents a unique craftsmanship that has created artistic legends over the centuries through the elements of clay, fire, and glaze.

Tourists taking photos of Shiwan ceramic artworks.

The Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, with a history of over 500 years, stands as a testament to the thriving Shiwan ceramics tradition. In 2001, Nanfeng Kiln was designated as a major historical and cultural site protected at the national level, and today, it still upholds the traditional kiln firing process one to two times a month.

Nanfeng Ancient Kiln has continued its tradition for over 500 years.

Covering nearly 33 acres, the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln area has preserved several ancient kilns and historical buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Republic of China era, making it a benchmark for integrating cultural industries and tourism in Guangdong Province. Li Yuxuan, Assistant General Manager of the Hongyu Cultural and Creative Park, explained that the Kiln revitalizesand protects historical heritage by leveraging the resources of the heritage. 

Huang Songjian's work "Lady."

Pan Bailin's work "Jingwei Filling the Sea."

Initiatives include establishing cultural spaces such as "Nanfeng Creations" and the "Ancient Kiln Historical Corridor," designed to attract younger audiences. Meanwhile, activities such as intangible cultural heritage study courses, kiln opening ceremonies, and the "Dawn Market" antique fair have also gained immense popularity, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually while collaborating with more than 200 enterprises to promote ceramics culture.

Liu Zemian and Liu Jianfen's work "Li Qingzhao."

The Pottery DIY Art Center in the park, spanning 3,000 square meters, serves as a significant platform for innovation and talent development for Shiwan ceramics culture, which offers systematic courses and ample practical opportunities.

Visitors taking photos of ceramic artworks in the Meitaowan No. 7 Ceramic Warehouse.

Shiwan First Primary School has built a "Ceramic Beauty Education" curriculum through more than 20 years of pottery education, nurturing numerous nationally-recognized ceramic artists. Data shows that there are now over 10,000 practitioners in the Shiwan ceramics industry.

Source: Lingnan on the Cloud

广东丨石湾陶文化的保护与传承

石湾陶，是广东佛山的传统文化瑰宝，这一匠心独具的传统技艺，以“泥、火、釉”创造出千百年来的艺术传奇。

至今已有500多年历史的南风古灶见证了石湾陶的兴盛。2001年，南风古灶被列为全国重点文物保护单位，目前仍保持每月1至2次的烧窑传统。

南风古灶片区占地近200亩，保留了多个古代陶窑和保留了明清与民国时期的历史建筑，成为广东省文化产业与旅游融合发展的标杆。宏宇文创园助理总经理李羽萱介绍，片区通过“以用促保”的方式活化历史遗产，例如打造“南风造物”和“古窑映像历史长廊”等文创空间，吸引年轻群体。与此同时，非遗研学课程、开窑仪式、“天光墟”古玩市集等活动也大受欢迎，年吸引游客超10万人次，并与200多家企业合作推广陶文化。

片区内占地3000平方米的玩陶艺术中心，是石湾陶文化创新与人才培养的重要平台，提供系统课程和丰富实践机会。

石湾第一小学通过二十余年的陶艺教育，构建了“陶美教育”课程体系，培育了多名国家级陶瓷艺术大师。数据显示，目前石湾陶艺行业从业者已超过1万人。

文｜记者 黄松炜 张闻

图｜受访者提供

译 | 洪婷

英文审校｜王枥焓