80-Year-Old Master Craftsman Inherits Traditional Porcelain Arts

Hu Wuqiang, 80 years old, is a master craftsman in Chinese arts and crafts at the national and provincial levels, and a provincial master in porcelain making crafts. He has been honored as the "only inheritor of the traditional kilning methods in Tongguan Kiln". His work has been recognized with the only gold medal in porcelain category at the First China Cultural Relics Imitation and Duplication and Folk Arts Festival. At present, he still persists in devoting himself in porcelain making, with a solid determination to preserve the traditional kilning crafts, revitalize the glory of the Belitung shipwreck which reflects the prosperity of the "Marine Silk Road" in ancient China, and promote Chinese porcelain art to the world. The photo, taken on April 8, shows Hu appreciating his porcelain ware at Tongguan Kiln in Wangcheng District, Changsha. (Photo/Gu Pengbo, Hunan Daily)

80-year-old Hu Wuqiang makes a pottery base at Tongguan Kiln in Wangcheng District, Changsha.

80-year-old Hu Wuqiang prepares ceramic mud at Tongguan Kiln in Wangcheng District, Changsha.

80-year-old Hu Wuqiang prepares ceramic mud at Tongguan Kiln in Wangcheng District, Changsha.

80-year-old Hu Wuqiang prepares ceramic mud at Tongguan Kiln in Wangcheng District, Changsha.

Hu Wuqiang shapes a porcelain work.

Hu Wuqiang makes the base of a pottery ware.

Hu Wuqiang trims a pottery base.

Hu Wuqiang makes pottery printing patterns.

Hu Wuqiang stamps a pattern onto a pottery ware.

Hu Wuqaing paints a pottery ware.

Hu Wuqiang makes relief patterns on a pottery work.

Hu Wuqiang makes a circular engravure pattern.

Hu Wuqiang glazes a pottery ware.