A group of Longquan celadon vases on display at an exhibition. 

Longquan, a historic city in east China’s Zhejiang Province, is renowned for its exquisite celadon ware, featuring fine texture and pure, jade-like glaze. The region has a pottery-making tradition that spans over 1,600 years. Its celadon firing technique originated during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280) and reached its peak in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Since the Song Dynasty (960-1368), Longquan was among the main suppliers of porcelain for the imperial court. 

From the 12th to the 15th centuries, Longquan celadon was exported via the Maritime Silk Road to many countries and regions across Asia, Africa, and Europe, fostering cultural exchange between China and the wider world. In 2006, the traditional firing technique of Longquan celadon was included in China’s first list of national intangible cultural heritage items. Later in 2009, it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Longquan celadon is made of local mineral and clay. The major steps involved in making it include raw material preparation, shaping, trimming, decorating, bisque firing, glazing, kiln loading, and final firing. Each stage is a test of the artisan’s skill and experience. 

Today, this craft has been carefully preserved and passed down. Xitou Village in Longquan, home to a large ancient kiln complex, keeps celadon craftsmanship alive. During this year’s Labor Day holiday, a grand kiln-opening ceremony was held at the village, drawing eager crowds of visitors to watch over 1,000 celadon pieces being unloaded from wood kilns. 

While the traditional wood-kiln is still in use, more efficient methods such as gas and electric kilns have increasingly been adopted – enabling more precise temperature control and greater consistency in glaze color. Some celadon workshops have embraced digital modeling and 3D printing technology which significantly reduce prototyping time and make highly customizable production possible. 

Today’s celadon pieces, combining traditional charm with modern aesthetics, are loved by consumers, especially the younger generation. As one of China’s most iconic types of porcelain, Longquan celadon has appeared at major international events such as the G20 Hangzhou Summit, APEC meetings, and the China International Import Expo (CIIE). It even accompanied the Long March-5 rocket into space. The design of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics medals also drew inspiration from the distinctive crackle pattern of Longquan celadon.