Ceramic connections

"We adopted Western engraving styles and also introduced the use of machinery, creating finer details that appeal to observers from every angle," he says.

"You get the hang of engraving after a decade of practice. You can become an independent craftsman after two decades. After five decades, you can call yourself a skilled ceramic engraving artist."

At major industry events, Jingdezhen Ceramic University is also helping to preserve and promote the ceramic art legacy by giving its students platforms to showcase their work.

"Combining the use and artistic value of ceramics with material science and manufacturing technologies is essential for schools to teach Chinese ceramic arts," says professor Sun Qinghua, 58, an expert in traditional Chinese artifacts and art styles.