People view celadon art works at the Zhejiang Culture Hall on Feb 25. [Photo by Sun Yidou]

An exhibition of Zhejiang celadon took place at the Zhejiang Culture Hall, Hangzhou on Feb 25.

With more than 200 celadon works on display, the exhibition presents the celadon work of Zhejiang craftsmen spanning over 3600 years, including the origins and development of Zhejiang celadon.

Celadon-glazed porcelain originated in China, flourishing in the Zhejiang-based kilns of ancient time, including Yue kiln, Longquan kiln and the Hangzhou Southern Song Dynasty Guan kiln. Longquan celadon, made in Longquan and the neighboring counties of Lishui was elected as a "world intangible heritage" by UNESCO in 2009, and is the only celadon art to make the list.

Xu Chaoxing, a representative of Longquan celadon, states what makes a good porcelain craftsman is dedication, persistence and passing on his craft. His two art works displayed at the exhibition showcase the beauty of the "tiaodao" technique, presenting the culmination of his 60-year career.

"Tiaodao" refers to Xu's unique method of carving the plain base in rapid spin with a single cut. Thousands of changes come along with effortless artistry, but only when the spin stops do patterns surface.

Xu Chaoxing, a Longquan celadon art craftsman, works on a new piece. [Photo/people.cn]

Lu Weisun, another master celadon craftsman, enchants visitors at the exhibition with his exhibited work. His manufacturing process features a fusion of appearance and spirit. Lu views celadon as the best form of self-expression, blending natural landscapes into the porcelain.

"We are working on how to preserve celadon art, to promote it to the world and hand down the craftsmanship." said Tian Yuyuan, Party secretary of the Zhejiang Federation of Literature and Art. It has been reported that a specialized celadon art committee will be set up by the federation for the purpose of studying with masters and protecting celadon art.  

A piece of celadon art featuring a pair of swans is on display at the Zhejiang Culture Hall. [Photo/people.cn]