Liu Danhua was born in July 1977 in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province. He graduated from the Sculpture Department of Yunnan Arts University in 2004 and obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Sculpture Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2010. He has been serving as a faculty member in the Public Art program at the School of Design and Art, Jingdezhen Ceramic University since his graduation in 2010.

In his teaching career, Liu Danhua has been focused on research and exploration in environmental ceramics and public art, analyzing outstanding works in these fields both domestically and internationally. Then, he integrates the unique ceramic materials of Jingdezhen into his teaching and artistic creations. He has achieved significant teaching results in the fields of environmental ceramics and public art.

His works have been exhibited in many domestic and international exhibitions. His Ashes series was collected by the Denver Art Museum and won the Gold Medal at the 11^th National Ceramic Art Exhibition. His works were shortlisted in the 13^th National Art Exhibition.

Ashes is a distinctive piece of artistic creation that blends traditional ceramic craftsmanship with modern artistic concepts. Using clay as a medium, it explores and expresses profound themes. This work not only demonstrates the artist’s exquisite craftsmanship but also conveys a unique understanding of the cycles of life, nature, and time.

In terms of color, Ashes predominantly employs a spectrum of gray hues, which not only aligns with the title's thematic essence but also evokes a tranquil and profound artistic ambiance. The artist masterfully crafts a variegated texture on the ceramic surface, amplifying the visual impact and expressive power of the piece.

Moreover, Ashes transcends the role of a static ornament; it prompts viewers to delve into contemplation about the interplay between humanity and nature, as well as the individual's position in the grand cosmos. Each nuance, from the coarse surfaces to the gentle contours, subtly conveys the artist's perceptive observations and profound reflections on the world.

The design of Ashes draws inspiration from the natural phenomenon of burning and the resulting ashes. Through meticulous handcrafting, the artist gives the work a unique form and texture, as if mimicking the traces left by materials after being burned by fire. This design is both a tribute to the vitality of nature and a philosophical reflection on the concepts of decay and rebirth.

Ashes stands out as an exceptional piece in the field of contemporary ceramics. With its unique perspective and techniques, it presents a narrative interwoven with life, nature, and art, leading the audience into a world filled with poetic contemplation and philosophical insight.