A delegation of officials from the Maldives — participants in a seminar organized by the Academy for International Business Officials of the Ministry of Commerce — recently made a visit to boost cultural ties.

They journeyed to Zhejiang International Studies University in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, on June 30.

Li Qingchang, a celebrated Qingyuan celadon master from Qingyuan county in Lishui, Zhejiang shared the rich heritage of this style of celadon with the international visitors.

Li detailed the evolution of Qingyuan celadon, saying that in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907–960) and the Song Dynasty (960–1279) periods, places like Shangyang village in Qingyuan's Zhukou town developed advanced porcelain-making techniques.

"During the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), Shangyang was a key center for porcelain production in Lishui, contributing significantly to the porcelain industry in Zhejiang and across China," Li said.

An exquisite Qingyuan celadon piece goes on display. [Photo/Tide News]

When asked about the relationship between Longquan and Qingyuan celadon, Li said that Qingyuan was part of Lishui's Longquan during the Tang (618–907) and Song dynasties before becoming an independent county, while Zhukou town was a major kiln site.

Li, a native of Zhukou town, has dedicated himself to reviving traditional Qingyuan celadon techniques using original mineral glazes and clay formulas.

At the event, he displayed celadon products like coffee cups and jade discs, which enchanted the visitors.