During the 2024 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo, a significant event took place on October 19th at the ancient kiln folk customs exhibition area in Jingdezhen, a city renowned as the “Porcelain Capital of the World.” The Ming Dynasty Hulu kiln, which boasts a history of over 600 years, was reignited for the first time this year.

I interviewed Feng Heping, a representative inheritor of the traditional porcelain firing techniques in Jingdezhen. He explained that this revival marks the first firing of the Hulu kiln in the Year of the Dragon. “We have loaded 1,500 pieces of porcelain into the kiln, featuring various techniques including high-temperature colored glazes, blue-and-white underglaze red, and tea powder glazes,” Feng noted. He further shared that after continuous stoking for 24 hours, the kiln will be allowed to cool naturally for another 24 hours, with an official opening expected on the 21st.

In a separate conversation, Hu Jiawang, an inheritor of the traditional kiln workshop construction techniques, expressed his hopes for the Hulu kiln’s revival. “We aim to restore the changes in kilns over the past millennium and promote a deeper understanding of Jingdezhen’s kiln and porcelain culture,” he stated. Hu emphasized the historical significance of Hulu kiln-fired porcelain, which contributed greatly to China’s ceramic exports over 600 years ago, and he hopes to pass this legacy down through generations.

Before the firing ceremony, a solemn ritual honoring the kiln god took place at Tongbin Square in the ancient kiln folk customs exhibition area. One visitor, Yang Wei, traveled from Shanghai with friends to witness the event. “I’ve always heard that if you want to understand Chinese culture, you must look at ceramics, and if you want to understand ceramic culture, you should look to Jingdezhen,” Yang remarked. “Experiencing this traditional kiln firing up close was truly impressive. It really underscores the importance of having a deep respect for this craft.”

Since 2009, Jingdezhen’s ancient kilns have embraced the motto, “Millennia of porcelain kilns cultivate the thousand-year porcelain capital; a series of revivals showcase Chinese civilization.” Over the past decade, initiatives to reconstruct and reignite traditional wood-fired kilns have breathed new life into the historical art of porcelain making in the region.