The exhibition displays more than 200 celadon works by Xu Chaoxing and his students. [Photo/ cien.cn]

An exhibition of Longquan celadon commenced in Beijing on Dec 7. The exhibition, held at China Art Museum, will run until Dec 20 and display more than 200 celadon works by Xu Chaoxing and his students.

Longquan celadon refers to green-glazed Chinese ceramics produced in kilns which were largely located in Lishui of southwestern Zhejiang province.

The history of Longquan celadon can be traced back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589) and reached its peak in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). In the 16th century, the popularity of Longquan celadon even reached Europe, where nobles were eager to amass collections of Longquan celadon.

The craftsmanship gradually faded, however, in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912). In 1957, former premier Zhou Enlai decided to restore the production of Longquan kilns. 

Xu Chaoxing is considered to be a representative of celadon art in modern China. [Photo/ cien.cn]

Xu then began researching and striving to rediscover the manufacturing process of Longquan celadon, and has been devoted to the art for over 60 years. Xu is considered to be a representative of celadon art in modern China. Today he still regards passing on the craftsmanship of Longquan celadon as his responsibility and has been teaching it to young craftsmen.

Longquan celadon was declared a "world intangible heritage" by UNESCO in 2009 and is the only celadon art on the list.

The exhibition is held at China Art Museum in Beijing. [Photo/ cien.cn]