Major ceramics expo coming to Jingdezhen

Admirers and manufacturers of porcelain and ceramics will gather next month in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, as the city holds the China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo from Oct 18 to 22.

As the 13th edition of the event, this year's expo will feature 2,000 booths from more than 900 exhibitors. The expo will also include more activities, including a Northern Europe art festival, a ceramics skill competition and an auction sale in which pieces will eventually go on display nationwide.

"We have plenty of art for the collectors and plenty of chances for the exhibitors," said Mei Yi, mayor of Jingdezhen city. "This is a major platform to facilitate the communication between Jingdezhen and the world."

Jingdezhen, widely known as the porcelain capital of China, has a history of ceramics production that stretches back more than 1,000 years. The name "Jingdezhen" itself is said to be based on the name of the 11th century era,"Jingde", inspired by Zhenzong Emperor of the Song Dynasty. In A.D.1004 the emperor decided to grant the name of his era to the town to show his appreciation for the porcelain made there. The first edition of the expo served as the millenary celebration of this honor.