Deciphering the modern alchemy of clay and fire

Michael May, a ceramic artist from Oklahoma City, found himself in the bustling ceramics market of Jingdezhen in China's Jiangxi Province.

- Li Xueqing

Michael May at the Jingdezhen International Studio. - Photos by Dai Qian

On a sweltering summer night, he was engaged in a lively negotiation with a young woman over the price of a blue-and-white porcelain tea tray he had crafted.

Eventually, they agreed on a price of 488 yuan (US$69), which was nearly half of May's original asking price. "Eight is a lucky number in China," the young woman said, her face lighting up with satisfaction. May chuckled in return.

For him, this market experience was less about profit and more about connecting with the local community and gathering their feedback.

After studying porcelain making in the United States, Japan and South Korea, the American arrived in Jingdezhen last year, eager to establish himself as a ceramic artist in this historic city.

"In the history books, we always learn about Jingdezhen. It's one of the oldest and most famous places for porcelain production," May remarked. "It's the mecca of the world."

Mecca of the ceramic world

Jingdezhen's rich history and enduring legacy in ceramics have attracted international artists, like May, to the city.

Located in east China's Jiangxi Province, Jingdezhen is endowed with abundant natural resources, including kaolin and porcelain stone.

These materials have been crucial in creating the highquality translucent white wares that have made Jingdezhen famous.

From the Song Dynasty (960-1279) to the present day, porcelain produced in Jingdezhen has been highly sought after in both domestic and international markets. It was an important commodity along the maritime Silk Road.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, an estimated 300 million pieces were exported to Europe, with countless others distributed across East and Southeast Asia.