Kaolin, often regarded as one of the most iconic and prestigious materials in the world of porcelain, is sourced from the high-altitude mountains of Gaoling Village in Goose Town, located in the northern mountainous region of Jingdezhen. This unique mineral has earned global recognition for its superior quality and has been the foundation of Jingdezhen's legendary ceramic industry for centuries. The term "kaolin" itself is derived from Gaoling Mountain, reflecting its deep historical and cultural significance.
As the cornerstone of the ceramic industry, kaolin has played a vital role in shaping some of China’s most famous porcelain types, including blue and white, fine porcelain, pastel glaze, and glazed ceramics. These traditional creations are celebrated for their whiteness like jade, clarity like a mirror, thinness like paper, and the ringing sound when struck—attributes that have made them highly sought after both domestically and internationally.
However, with over a thousand years of extraction, Jingdezhen’s kaolin reserves are now dwindling. This depletion has raised concerns about the future of the city’s ceramic industry. In response, experts suggest focusing on high-value art ceramics, leveraging Jingdezhen’s rich heritage to drive sustainable development. Liu Gen, a manager at the People’s Porcelain Factory, emphasizes that by developing this high-end sector, Jingdezhen can maintain its global standing in the ceramic world.
A promising alternative emerged in 2005 when a vast 70-kilometer-long and 15-kilometer-wide kaolin deposit was discovered in Yian County, Qiqihar City. This discovery revitalized the local ceramic industry, leading to the establishment of a 28-kilometer-long ceramic industrial park. Over the years, it has attracted numerous architectural ceramic brands, becoming a key driver of regional economic growth.
In recent years, many Hecheng artists have traveled to the Qiqihar-Jingdezhen art ceramics creation base to explore new creative possibilities. They engage in hands-on ceramic production, develop artistic skills, and gain valuable experience. This cultural exchange has become vibrant and dynamic, fostering collaboration between the two regions.
The growing trend of artists gathering together has drawn attention from the Qiqihar CPPCC. In late 2012, the Nationality Committee conducted a special visit to Yian County to discuss the potential of integrating Jingdezhen’s traditional ceramic art with Qiqihar’s emerging ceramic industry. Their goal was to promote the development of Yian’s kaolin resources, fill the gap in art ceramic production, and build a strong cultural industry in Hecheng. The discussions led to a consensus on the bright future of this partnership.
The collaboration between Qiqihar and Jingdezhen is gaining momentum. In May 2013, a research team from Yian County visited Jingdezhen, touring the creation base, kiln factories, and marketplaces. They met with industry officials and master artisans to explore ways to boost industrial development. During this trip, Yian County signed an agreement with the Jiangxi Provincial Light Industry Management Office for long-term training and recruitment of Qiqihar students.
In August of the same year, the first batch of students from Beiguo Hecheng arrived at the Jiangxi Jingdezhen Ceramic Arts and Crafts Vocational and Technical College. By October, three soil samples from Yian’s kaolin deposits were sent to Jingdezhen’s scientific institutions for detailed analysis. These efforts mark a significant step toward building a sustainable and innovative ceramic industry in the region.
Looking ahead, plans are already underway for a large-scale porcelain art exhibition in Qiqihar in the summer of 2014. Liu Yanlong, a representative from Jingdezhen, will showcase the entire ceramic-making process—from blanking to painting and firing—bringing the rich culture of Jingdezhen to life. This initiative aims to deepen the appreciation of blue and white porcelain among the people of Hecheng and inspire a new generation of ceramic enthusiasts.
Biological Microscope,Monocular Biological Microscope,Student Medical Lab Microscope,Economical Biological Microscope
Ningbo Huaguang Precision Instrument Co., Ltd. , https://www.hgopt.com