Longquan intangible cultural heritages on show

Hu Min
More than 100 celadon and sword artifacts created by masters of Longquan City, east China's Zhejiang Province, are featured at an exhibition inside Shanghai Tower.
Hu Min

More than 100 celadon and sword artifacts created by masters of Longquan City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, are featured at an exhibition inside Shanghai Tower.

Celadon is a grayish-green glazed porcelain which originated from Longquan. Craftsmen integrated northern and southern China’s ceramic art techniques to develop multiple shades of green glaze.

The city bordering Fujian and Jiangxi provinces is famous for its celadon and sword, both intangible cultural heritages of China.

The history of Longquan sword dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Legend says that the first Longquan sword was forged by two famous swordsmiths, Ou Yezi and Gan Jiang.

Originating more than 1,700 years ago, Longquan celadon hit its peak during the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279).

Traditional firing technology provides it with a distinctive glaze. The firing technology of Longquan celadon was listed in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

The biggest highlight of the works on display at the exhibition belongs to 77-year-old celadon master Xu Chaoxing, whose skills represent the highest level in the celadon field.

Another art exhibition, by 80 younger Longquan artists born in the 1980s and 1990s, will run alongside and pays tribute to the innovation and advances in the ancient art.

The younger generation of artists prefer to blend celadon works with lacquer and jade culture and present them in another way.

“Longquan celadon and sword are treasures of China, and it is hoped that more will experience the charm of the nation’s intangible cultural heritages,” said Wu Songping, deputy Party secretary and mayor of Longquan.

Cultural forums will be held during the exhibitions.

Admission is free, but reservation is required on the center’s WeChat account: Baoku.

Exhibition info

Date: Through August 8, 10am-5pm
Venue:  Enamel Gallery at Baoku Culture Center and Baoku Jiangxin Art Center of Shanghai Tower
Address: 37/F, 38/F, 501 Yincheng Rd M., Pudong New Area

Longquan intangible cultural heritages on show
Ti Gong

The exhibition features more than 100 celadon and sword artifacts created by masters of Longquan City.

Longquan intangible cultural heritages on show
Ti Gong

Longquan swords


Special Reports

Top