Liu Hongsheng is a Chinese ceramist, a master of Chinese ceramic craftsmanship, a provincial-level representative inheritor of Jun porcelain firing techniques in the national intangible cultural heritage project, a master of arts and crafts in Henan Province, and a senior craftsman.

Jun porcelain has always held a glittering position with its unique charm of transformation during kiln firing. And the Painting Cylinder with Drum-Nail Design and Double-Lizard Pattern is a pearl in this starry sky of Chinese ceramics. It perfectly integrates exquisite craftsmanship, profound implications and the spiritual connotations of the times, presenting amazing artistic appeal.

This painting cylinder combines the beauty of simplicity and grandeur in terms of its appearance and shape.The drum-nail elements which encircle the body of the  cylinder are arranged neatly yet full of vitality as if the rhythm of history is pulsating on the surface of the cylinder. These drum-nail elements not only add a sense of solemnity to the cylinder but also remind us of ancient war drums whose resounding beats convey power and tenacity. The two lizards decorating the shoulders are the finishing touch of the work. The lizards with sinewy bodies have been carved meticulously, coiling as if ready to spring into the sky. They are vividly depicted with the body-line full of tension, the undulating muscles, the sharp claws and the wide-eyed expressions.

The kiln-transformed glaze is the very soul of this work. Shades of deep and light red intertwine as if the burning sunset glow on the horizon has been captured and sealed onto this porcelain cylinder. Red holds extraordinary significance in Chinese culture. It is the spark of hope and the banner of victory. In this work, this resplendent red symbolizes the prosperity of the current era of China. When we look at this work, it seems as if we can see towering buildings rising up on the vast land of our motherland, high-speed railways running through cities, and the scientific and technological breakthroughs. It is a microcosm of the nation's striving journey and a reflection of the triumphant songs of the times, telling the story of China which enjoys national peace and people's prosperity.

The legend of the lizard injects profound cultural heritage into the connotation of the work. The lizard, one of the nine sons of the dragon, is endowed with the power to ward off evil spirits and safeguard auspiciousness. It has symbolized good luck since ancient times. On this painted cylinder, the two lizards not only guard the small space inside but also guard our beautiful vision of life.They are the guardians of traditional culture, integrating the wishes of thousands of years into modern artistic creation.The lizards breathe new life into the ancient legend in the new era. They also remind us constantly that the roots and heritage of our nation have never been severed and inspire us to forge ahead with the courage and wisdom of our ancestors.

The Painting Cylinder with Drum-Nail Design and Double-Lizard Pattern brings us many insights. In terms of artistic creation, it demonstrates the infinite possibilities of combining tradition with modernity. It breaks through the temporal and spatial boundaries of artistic creation by deeply exploring ancient cultural elements and boldly interpreting them with the spirit of the times from a modern aesthetic perspective. This enables Jun porcelain, an ancient technique, to avoid falling into stereotypes and continue to thrive. From the perspective of cultural inheritance, it serves as an example, warning us to cherish Chinese traditional culture. Those ancient legends and exquisite techniques are all fragments of the national soul. Only by painstakingly piecing them together and integrating them into our current lives can they shine brightly in the torrent of time.This work is even more of a silent aesthetic education class for viewers, teaching us to pause in the fast-paced modern life, to perceive the warmth of history, to appreciate the beauty of the prosperous era from an artifact. We should draw strength and move forward with hope and courage, continuing to write a magnificent chapter as colorful as the kiln-transformed glaze.