Characteristics of Ceramic Craftsmen in Hongdian Street, Jingdezhen, China: The Innovative Design of Modern Ceramic Works

Abstract

The objectives of this research are: 1) to study the characteristics of Hongdian Street ceramic craftsmen; 2) to study the ceramic production skills of Hongdian Street; 3) to study the methods of integrating Hongdian Street ceramic production skills with modern design innovation; 4) to create modern ceramic works and promote the ceramic skills and culture of Hongdian Street. This research was conducted using documentary research methods, Field research methods and interdisciplinary research methods. The results show that: 1) The craftsmen of Hongdian Street ceramics have their own unique identity elements of diligence, meticulousness, progress and determination. 2) The craftsmanship techniques of Hongdian Street ceramics are clearly reflected in the classification of their work, including painting (hua pi), which involves freely drawing lines on plain white ceramics by arranging compositions, drawing patterns and shading, and adding color (tian pi), which involves filling in the gaps in the pattern to create dimension. This is a clear classification of the industry’s unique identity. However, skilled craftsmen can only classify their work into one category: adding color without painting and drawing without adding color, which are mainly small shops. 3) The knowledge system acquired by integrating Hongdian Street ceramic production skills with modern design innovation is to reinterpret traditional craftsmanship, incorporate emotional expression of modern artistic expression techniques, and explore cross-border cooperation and multidisciplinary integration; 4) Create a set of modern ceramic works, promote Hongdian ceramic skills and culture, and promote the innovative development and inheritance of traditional ceramic art.