Potters use the past to inspire them in the future

Jessie Lee believes China's long history of ceramics is both a cause for celebration and a curse for the country's contemporary artists.

"How can they surpass the peak that people achieved during the Tang (AD 418-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties? Sometimes when you are too good at something, you may be afraid of making new things. Many of the works I saw in Jingdezhen were imitations of ancient works," the Malaysian-born British ceramics artist said.

"In the UK, we don't have that much history and tradition (of ceramics), so it is easier for us to create and innovate. I think China's ceramic artists should also investigate new approaches and embrace new technology."