A journey of art across cultures and borders commenced at Changchun International Ceramics Gallery. Recently, the Changchun International Ceramics Gallery welcomed a special group of international guests, the families of German Volkswagen experts stationed in Changchun. Here, they embarked on a dialogue of ceramics that transcended time and space.

With the mission of “connecting the world and preserving civilization,” the Changchun International Ceramics Gallery is the only comprehensive ceramic base in Northeast China that focuses on organizing the creation of ceramic works by artists from China and abroad, collecting and displaying ceramic works, providing ceramic education, and hosting academic forums. In October 2019, the Ceramics Gallery became an official member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) under UNESCO, marking a solid step towards internationalization, fully aligning with global working standards and integrating with the global community.

When they arrived, the museum staff guided the visitors into the first-floor exhibition hall, where a massive photo wall featuring over a hundred ceramists from 65 countries and regions across five continents immediately caught their eyes. As they wandered through the exhibition area, the visitors were enthralled by hundreds of ceramic artworks created by artists from China and abroad. The highlight of their visit was the exhibition of works by three giants of contemporary Chinese ceramics, where the legacy of history and the vitality of innovation collided here. The guide explained, “In the previous Changchun International Ceramics Symposium, approximately 80% of participating artists were from overseas, while 20% were from China. This stands as a testament to the exchange of ideas between Chinese and international ceramists.”

As they explored each exhibition area, the visitors listened intently to the stories behind the ceramics. From clay collection and forming techniques to decoration methods and high-temperature firing, they eagerly engaged, asking questions that the guide answered in detail. They were particularly fascinated by the stories of ancient artisans who refined and passed down their craft through countless experiments. When the guide introduced how Chinese ceramics spread along the Silk Road, influencing European porcelain styles, a sense of resonance emerged. German ceramics had also been inspired by Eastern traditions. At that moment, cultural ties seemed to bring everyone closer together.

The visitors then moved to the second-floor ceramic experience area, where they tried their hand at wheel-throwing. Laughter filled the air as the rhythm of the spinning pottery wheels set the tone. “Wheel-throwing requires harmony between the mind and hands, much like the Chinese philosophy of the unity of man and nature,” the ceramic instructor explained, leaving the visitors deep in thought. Through hands-on demonstrations, the ceramic instructor guided them in mastering the right amount of force when kneading clay and the delicate coordination needed to shape forms on the wheel. Everyone gradually got the hang of it and became fully immersed in the process, attempting to recreate classic vessel shapes, and feeling the magic when the clay spun, rose, and expanded beneath their fingers. Though their initial pieces appeared somewhat unrefined, the joy of creation shone on their faces. Each work embodied their newfound appreciation for Chinese ceramics and their cherished memory of this cultural encounter.

As the visit came to an end, one visitor wrote in the museum’s guestbook, “Here, I have touched the eternal flame of Chinese ceramics and glimpsed the future brilliance of global ceramic art.” The Changchun International Ceramics Gallery is not just a showcase but also a cultural ambassador. Through the interplay of clay and fire, it extends China’s ceramic heritage to the world, fostering cross-border exchanges. Let friends from around the world know: within this Ceramics Gallery lies the timeless charm of Chinese civilization. The Ceramics Gallery is always ready to welcome visitors from around the world. In the future, may more international friends come here, to appreciate and co-create new ceramic traditions together.