Traditional pottery seal technique refreshes in modern times

In the village of Zhuyandun in Juye county – administered by Heze city in East China's Shandong province – a rural farmhouse opened its doors on June 23 to reveal a collection of beautifully crafted pottery.

The pottery, created by Jiang Jitao, a master of the local intangible cultural heritage project known as Firewood Burned Pottery Seal, showcased a rich and rustic charm.

A group of newly-made examples of the ancient Firewood Burned Pottery Seal technique. [Photo by Xiao Shouxiang for chinadaily.com.cn]

The Firewood Burned Pottery Seal is an ancient pottery-making technique that was very nearly lost in Juye. Originating from the pre-historical period 8,000 years ago, the pottery seal has been an important cultural carrier throughout human history and a significant branch of traditional Chinese seal engraving art.

For hundreds of years, the pottery seal technique has been passed down through generations in Juye, with most of the production process still relying on manual work.

The intricate process of creating the Firewood Burned Pottery Seals involves a combination of calligraphy, sculpting and temperature control.

With each piece carefully curated, Jiang – as the fourth-generation inheritor in Juye – has dedicated himself to mastering every step of the craft, resulting in exquisite works of art.

To adapt to the demands of the modern market, Jiang has also incorporated elements of local traditional culture – such as mythical creatures and peony flowers – into his creations.

His innovative approach, combined with improvements to the kiln design, has garnered recognition from art enthusiasts and customers alike. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)