Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Yaoli is the original town where they found the kaolin clay used to make the famous Jingdezhen porcelain. It's also where the original glazes were made. (2:10)
- Tip 2To make porcelain, artists beat the clay bricks to make them malleable, then turn them on wheels or mold them by hand. The pieces are then dried before being loaded into saggars for firing. (6:22)
- Tip 3It can take up to 72 artists to make one bowl, as each artist specializes in a different part of the process. This highlights the collaborative nature of porcelain making. (7:06)
- Tip 4Sanbao International Ceramic Village is a traditional artistic colony with ceramic workshops, resident artists, and galleries. It's a great place to experience modern porcelain artistry. (8:45)
- Tip 5Visit the Jingdezhen night markets to find locally crafted ceramic wares at affordable prices. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs. (12:19)
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Expat Natt to Jiangxi province, China, and delve into the captivating history of Chinese porcelain. From ancient mines to bustling markets, witness the artistry and dedication behind this iconic craft. Discover the secrets of Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital, and explore its ancient kilns, where temperatures reached 1400°C. Learn how this exquisite art form, once believed to be made with magic, became known as "fine china," and see how artists create breathtaking pieces using traditional techniques. A must-watch for history buffs and culture enthusiasts!
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This video, "The Secrets of Chinese Porcelain: Inside Jiangxi's Ancient Villages," follows Expat Natt's exploration of Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, the world's porcelain capital. The journey begins with a trek to ancient kaolin mines in Gowling village, revealing the origins of the prized white clay.
Expat Natt then visits Yaoli, the original town where the clay was discovered and the original glazes were created, showcasing the historical significance of this region in porcelain production dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The video highlights the efficient use of waterways for transporting materials and finished products.
The search for ancient kilns leads to both success and disappointment. While some sites are obscured by modern construction, the abundance of broken pottery fragments near a river testifies to the area's rich history. In Jingdezhen city, the exploration continues at the Cayang Lee excavation site, revealing the remnants of ancient kilns, including a site where one of the famed seven chicken cups was discovered.
The video details the porcelain-making process, from clay preparation and molding to firing in saggars, emphasizing the intricate hand-painted designs and the collaboration of numerous specialized artists. The high temperatures required for firing (up to 1400°C), a feat unmatched by other countries at the time, are highlighted.
Expat Natt also visits the Sanbao International Ceramic Village, where modern artisans continue the tradition, and participates in painting a ceramic plate, providing a personal and engaging perspective. The video ends with a visit to Jingdezhen's night markets, where locally crafted ceramics are sold, and a tasting of local delicacies, including a spicy beef dish and fried mulberry leaves.
The narrative explains how the term "fine china" originated from the high quality and worldwide fame of Jingdezhen's porcelain, which Europeans once believed to be magically produced. Throughout the video, Expat Natt shares personal observations and interactions with locals, providing an authentic and immersive travel experience.
