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July 9, 2014

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Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Revival of pottery making takes shape in studios

Source: Shanghai Daily | July 9, 2014, Wednesday | Print Edition

WU Huixin, Xu Shuyao, Huang Gejiang

China’s history of making pottery likely dates to the Neolithic Age. Ancestors turned clay into bowls, plates, jars and vats and thus started the craft of making pottery. In modern times, pottery has gradually been replaced by plastic and other synthetic containers.

Nevertheless, the ancient craft has revived in recent years as more and more pottery-making studios have opened around China.

Hangzhou is no exception. People enjoy the process of shaping and glazing the clay and gain a sense of achievement by completing a piece of pottery. Shanghai Daily recommends four pottery-making studios where you can design and manufacture unique pottery yourself.

Zheyao International Creation Center

It is a combination of ceramic art and pottery-making studio.

Since 2006 when it opened in Zheyao Park, it has been considered one of the largest and most professional pottery studios in Hangzhou. Unlike other common pottery studios, Zheyao attracts both professional artists and ordinary citizens who are interested in that craft.

The large scale also distinguishes the center from other pottery stores. It owns two big kilns, which is envied by smaller pottery studios that can afford only one small one.

Two large working spaces can accommodate up to 60 people making pottery at the same time. Four instructors who are pottery-making prize winners help customers during the processes of shaping, decorating and glazing.

It takes two weeks to complete the whole process of firing and other procedures. The center offers delivery service if customers pay a fee. Beyond making pottery, people can explore more in Zheyao Park, which also houses the Zheyao Fine Art Museum showcasing a batch of delicate and creative pottery artworks.

Address: Zheyao Park, at the intersection of Tongyi and Shixiang roads

Tel: (0571) 8645-2658

Hefang Pottery Class

Guests to Hefang Pottery Class include locals and tourists because it is located close to the hot scenic spot Hefang Street. The studio is concealed in a quiet attic of a traditional black and white house. A small signboard on the street shows the exact location of the pottery studio to passers-by.

Ma Xijun is one of the owners of Hefang Pottery Class. In 2011, he opened the pottery studio in cooperation with a friend who also operated the Hefang International Hostel.

“It is a platform where young people can touch the profound Chinese traditional culture and slow down the pace of busy life,” Ma said.

The studio offers two classes everyday — from 9:30am to noon and 1:30pm to 4pm.

“In the 1990s, pottery bars boomed along with ceramic arts. Most of them, however, closed successively since the proprietors knew nothing about making pottery,” Ma said. “My education in the China Academy of Art makes me able to provide customers with a systematic method to make pottery, and thus the studio survives to date.”

On weekends, the studio is always packed with consumers.

Address: No. 71, Dajing Alley, alongside Hefang Street

Tel: (0571) 8533-5595

Diffuse Village Inn

It is hidden in the famous tea tasting and osmanthus viewing spot Manjuelong and lures guests by virtue of its tranquil environment and relaxing ambience.

The boss, Zhang Mingxing, designed the inn into a cabin, of which the first floor is carved into a pottery studio, a restaurant and a bar while the second story is a guesthouse. Since Zhang graduated from the China Academy of Art, he has integrated artistic elements into every corner of the house, especially graffiti that is painted everywhere.

Although the scale of the pottery studio is small, necessary tools and electrical kiln are well-equipped. Artworks made by customers are exhibited on the walls. If consumers want to make an exquisite pottery work, the boss and his fellows readily offer professional instruction for free.

If people are tired of making pottery, they can fill their tummies in the restaurant or enjoy beer while watching the World Cup in the bar. In addition, the inn accommodates guests with neat and cozy rooms for overnight stays.

Address: No. 248, Xia Manjuelong

Tel: (0571) 8819-1248

He Sure Pottery

The pottery-making studio located in Shuguang Road was opened by two graduates of China Academy of Art in 2012. After two years of development, it already has become a rendezvous for ceramic craft amateurs.

If people go there for the first time, the boss will recommend they manufacture the easiest palate. An instructor will demonstrate how to make the pottery.

He Sure Pottery targets students as the main consumers since it offers cheap group-buying tickets on social media such as weibo and WeChat.

Address: No. 48, Baishaquan, Shuguang Rd

Tel: (0571) 8729-8662

Hangzhou


 

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