Jingdezhen porcelain is increasingly gaining international attention as young artists creatively merge traditional techniques with modern design. For example, Cai Wenjuan’s ceramic speakers and coffee cups sold out within days at a Budapest trade fair. In addition, she painted the Hungarian national flower on each piece using glazing methods passed down from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).
“If we don’t understand overseas consumers’ culture and lifestyle, it is hard to go global,” said Cai, a 39-year-old artist from a family of Jingdezhen ceramic artisans. Meanwhile, the city, long celebrated as the “porcelain capital,” has a ceramic history spanning more than 2,000 years in Jiangxi Province.
Cai represents a new generation striving to put Jingdezhen porcelain back on the global map. Consequently, they are emphasizing design innovation, digital manufacturing, and pop-culture collaborations. Historically, Jingdezhen porcelain played a key role in international trade, supplying custom dinnerware and decorative wares across Europe.
For instance, a Ming dynasty shipwreck discovered off Hainan contained 100,000 pieces of export porcelain. Moreover, many of these originated from Jingdezhen, where artisans meticulously hand-painted European family crests for the Dutch East India Company.
However, the 1990s brought serious challenges. During this period, state-owned enterprise reforms forced ten local ceramic factories to close due to inflexible management and limited market awareness. As a result, competing ceramics hubs in China and established European brands like Meissen and Wedgwood dominated global trade.
Today, Jingdezhen porcelain is blending its ancient craftsmanship with modern technology. Specifically, studios and e-commerce firms use 3D printing and online platforms to reach international buyers. At Qianmo Cross-border E-commerce Industrial Park, for example, batches of Jingdezhen porcelain are shipped to overseas warehouses in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.
Furthermore, Chen Jun, head of a leading studio, said marketing now complements traditional Jingdezhen porcelain skills. His company invested 320 million yuan to build overseas warehousing and distribution networks for global customers.
Innovators like Hong Ziyu also focus on sustainability by creating recycled ceramics from crushed waste Jingdezhen porcelain. In addition, they use 3D printing to produce intricate designs impossible to achieve by hand.
Moreover, Jingdezhen porcelain’s creative sector has expanded into artistic toys. A limited-edition ceramic Molly doll, developed in collaboration with Pop Mart, sold out quickly despite costing nearly 14,000 yuan. Xu Wan, general manager of Chentian Ceramics, explained that over 20 sample modifications and new techniques were needed to prevent kiln collapse.
This blend of tradition and pop culture is proving successful. Today, Jingdezhen porcelain supports nearly 100,000 young workers. In 2024, China’s cultural and creative industries surpassed 19 trillion yuan, with design services growing 7.2 percent.
Meanwhile, local government efforts further enhance the global reputation of Jingdezhen porcelain. Officials organize international exhibitions and open flagship stores to showcase local brands. Additionally, Xu Wan emphasized that government support is vital for small workshops seeking worldwide exposure.
Through innovation, digital tools, and cultural awareness, Jingdezhen porcelain is steadily reclaiming its global status while inspiring a new generation of creators.
