Spotlight shines on wonderful world of ceramics in Shandong

The 10th-anniversary art exhibition of the Dongming County Art Association was recently held in Dongming county, located in Heze city in East China's Shandong province.

The spotlight at the event fell on the masterful creations of Zhang Weize, a contemporary ceramics virtuoso from Xiaojing town in Dongming county.

Born in the 1980s, Zhang remembers a time when rural kids, like himself, didn't rely on screens for entertainment.

Instead, they entertained themselves by sharing small picture books with friends or listening to captivating stories narrated by their elders – such as The Water Margin, The Generals of the Yang Family and The Tales from Tang Dynasty China.

It was these early encounters that set the stage for his eventual venture into the world of ceramics.

Over the years, Zhang has created about a thousand works, encompassing iconic figures like Laozi – the founder of Taoism. Or the Eighteen Arhats – the original followers of Gautama Buddha – and the poets Li Bai and Qu Yuan. That's as well as the captivating folk customs along the Yellow River, which flows through nine cities and empties into the sea in Shandong.

When asked about the intent behind his creations, Zhang said: "Although times have changed, the unyielding and relentless spirit of the people along the Yellow River for thousands of years always embodies our national spirit."

"My goal is to promote ceramic art and pay homage to the magnificent Yellow River culture in Shandong," he added. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)

Zhang Weize proudly shows one of his ceramic works. [Photo by Yu Fuyang for chinadaily.com.cn]