The Master Shi Zhen Yue Kiln Celadon Exhibition will open on November 21 at the Hengqin Culture & Arts Complex and run until January 20, 2026, offering the public a vivid encounter with the charm of China's national intangible cultural heritage.
As an extraordinary example of ancient Chinese porcelain craftsmanship, the Yue Kiln is one of the significant kiln complexes in the history of Chinese celadon production and has had a profound impact on the development of celadon making.
The exhibition brings together more than 100 selected works by Shi Zhen, the national-level inheritor of Yue Kiln celadon craftsmanship. A total of 100 representative pieces are presented across three themed sections.
The first section features 30 restored works showcasing Shi's breakthroughs in recreating the secret-color porcelain firing techniques of the ancient Famen Temple. These pieces stand out for their elegant forms, smooth glaze application, lustrous hues, and refined use of traditional techniques such as incising and carving.
The second section presents 30 innovative works that reinterpret traditional motifs through a contemporary lens. Drawing inspiration from ceramic shards unearthed at the ancient Shanglin Lake Kiln site, Shi transforms ancient bird patterns into a modern series, allowing traditional symbols to be embodied in contemporary life.
The third section features 40 pieces decorated with overglaze colors, reflecting the artist's bold explorations beyond tradition. By integrating high-temperature color-glaze techniques with both Eastern and Western artistic styles, these works highlight the contemporary evolution of Yue Kiln celadon.
During the exhibition period, visitors can also participate in a series of activities, including intangible cultural heritage pottery workshops, lectures by celadon inheritors, and stamp-collection tours.
Dates: November 21, 2025 - January 20, 2026, daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM; closed on Mondays except public holidays)
Venue: First-Floor Exhibition Hall, Hengqin Culture & Arts Complex Library (West Entrance)
Admission: Free entry; no reservation required
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Photo | Hengqin Online
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
