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Ceramics experiment to new frontier
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Luo Jinping is shaking up the world of ceramics. The founder of Shen Kiln has invited several famous artists to draw on the ceramics before they are placed in the kiln.
The results of their experiment — ceramic plates, vases, teapots, jewelry boxes and more — are on display in Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town in Shanghai’s suburban Qingpu District, and Xinzeyuan Art Center in Jiading District.
Luo invited well-known local painters Yu Xiaofu, Zhang Guiming, Yang Zhenxin and Chen Jialing to participate.
“At first, I didn’t want to accept Luo’s invitation,” says Chen Jialing, one of the city’s top ink-wash artists. “I didn’t know a thing about ceramics, and in my eyes, it is totally different from painting on rice-paper. However, I gradually became enamored with the idea as you don’t know how the colors will turn out until they come out of the kiln, which adds mystery to the process.”
Luo, also a ceramist himself, says he understood how the others felt and didn’t want to push them too much. He says he simply let the ceramics do the convincing for him.
“Never underestimate the charm of Chinese ceramics,” he says, smiling. “Once you are drawn in, it’s hard to leave.”
The exhibition also showcases a small number of items that were fired in a wood kiln.
Those with an untrained eye are unable to spot the difference between ceramics fired in a wood kiln and those from an electric kiln. But all the great Chinese porcelains and famous works from other countries have been fired in wood kilns.
However, wood kilns are used rarely today because they cause air pollution and operating permits are seldom granted.
“Wood-fired kilns produce works that are richer and more varied in color, more subtle in tone and translucent because of the chemical reactions caused by the wood,” Luo says. “Words are but wind, but the ceramics showcased here are worth 1,000 words.”
Luo says he is trying to promote wood kiln-fired ceramics and is applying for an operating permit.
“I understand many people are concerned about air pollution caused by burning wood,” Luo says. “But this problem can be solved with advanced equipment. I would hate to see this centuries-old method disappear in China.”
Date: Through December 31, 10am-4pm
Address: Xinzeyuan Art Center, 3058 Cao’an Rd, Jiading District
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