陶瓷中国 第9集 千年窑景德镇 3 The Thousand Years Old Kiln Fire in Jingdezhen 3

This summary outlines the historical and contemporary experiences of two prominent ceramic families in Jingdezhen, China, as the city celebrated its millennium anniversary in 2004.

The Wang Family: A Legacy of Imperial Craft

• Historical Significance: The Wang family’s history is deeply intertwined with the Imperial Kiln of the late Qing Dynasty. Wang Longfu’s grandfather, Wang Changbin, served as the general manager of the Imperial Kiln, overseeing glaze formulations and porcelain production for the imperial court.
• Transition to Private Craft: Following the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the Imperial Kiln was abolished. The Wang family transitioned to private production, specializing in high-quality porcelain for elite clients.
• Artistic Influence: Wang Longfu was raised in a household steeped in classical literature, painting, and calligraphy. He became an apprentice at the Taiping Porcelain Society, where he caught the attention of the "Eight Friends of Zhushan," a group of artists who integrated literati painting styles (poetry, calligraphy, and painting) into ceramic art.
• Hardship and Resilience: During the Cultural Revolution, Wang Longfu faced severe persecution as a "reactionary academic authority." His family’s historical records and heirlooms were destroyed, and he was forced into manual labor. Despite these hardships, he maintained his creative spirit, eventually shifting his artistic style from meticulous brushwork to freehand painting as he aged.

The Sun Family: Adaptation and Modernization

• State-Owned Roots: The Sun family were long-time technical experts within Jingdezhen’s state-owned porcelain factories. Sun Lixin, the younger generation, grew up viewing the factory as the center of his professional identity.
• Market Shifts: As state-owned factories declined in the 1990s, Sun Lixin sought opportunities in the Special Economic Zones (Zhuhai and Shenzhen). However, he eventually returned to Jingdezhen, driven by a desire to preserve his family’s craft and support his aging grandparents.
• Entrepreneurial Rebirth: The Sun family founded "Sun Gong Kiln" as a means of self-rescue during a period of unemployment. Despite initial failures in production, they persevered and successfully developed the "Hanzhang glaze"—a unique brown, natural-toned finish that combined the texture of porcelain with the aesthetic of pottery.
• Modern Expansion: By 2004, the Sun family had significantly expanded their workshop operations. They focused on high-end, limited-edition commemorative pieces, successfully bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern market demands.

Common Themes

• The Changjiang River as a Witness: The river serves as a metaphor for the continuity of Jingdezhen’s history, witnessing the rise, fall, and transformation of the city’s ceramic artists across generations.
• Generational Evolution: Both families highlight the shift from state-controlled production to private enterprise. While the older generation (Wang Longfu) focused on preserving traditional techniques amidst political turmoil, the younger generation (Sun Lixin) successfully adapted to market-driven environments.
• The Resilience of Art: Despite the "hustle and bustle" of the city’s millennium celebrations and the lingering trauma of past political movements, both families continue to find meaning and identity through their dedication to the art of porcelain.