An epic of earth, fire and dreams

Since 2022, the database has collected key information about ancient porcelain pieces, including their patterns, styles, base materials, and glaze.

"They are not only benchmarks for academic research, but also references for revitalizing cultural traditions," says Weng.

In 2016, people witnessed Xujiayao, the biggest surviving kiln from ancient Jingdezhen, re-ignited after decades of disuse. Hu Jiawang, then 72, played a major role in making this centuries-old kiln fire again.

"It shows our emphasis on ancient crafts and endeavors in keeping them alive," says Hu, a national-level inheritor of Jingdezhen traditional kiln and workshop making techniques.

As a veteran craftsman, in addition to building the kilns, Hu is also responsible for controlling the kilns' fire, which largely determines what comes out of the blind box.

His unique technique is to spit on the firewood. He tells the temperature by observing how saliva evaporates and the fire color changes.

"Porcelain-making is an art of fire," says Hu. "Before modern equipment, we relied on hands-on experience passed down through mentorship and built upon continuous improvement; that's how we have come this far."

As time went by, modern electric kilns appeared. Accuracy has improved, but in many collectors' eyes, the natural luster and hue of handmade products still prevail.

However, Hu kept an open mind.

"Only through ceaseless evolution can the products meet modern needs, maintain vitality, and continue to move forward," he says.

A global inspiration

Since 2018, Wang from the Palace Museum has also led an archaeological program on ancient port ruins in Ras al-Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates. As a veteran porcelain researcher, he can easily tell that some shards on the shore of the Persian Gulf arrived from somewhere familiar.

The blue-and-white porcelain pieces produced in the Imperial Kiln Factory, probably a Ming emperor's gifts, demonstrate the connection between the Ming Dynasty and the region.

More Jingdezhen products have been found in large numbers in shipwrecks and seaside sites across East, Southeast and South Asia, serving as evidence of booming maritime trade.

In 2023, Chinese researchers made another milestone deep-sea discovery of two mid-Ming shipwrecks on the northwestern continental slope of the South China Sea. Not to Wang's surprise, the No 1 shipwreck's cargo was almost full of Jingdezhen exports.

"Jingdezhen products were tested in the market and showcased their value," Wang says. "It also tells of the inclusive nature of the city's porcelain industry."

Traces of the imperial kiln style can be seen on many pieces produced by the Jingdezhen civilian kilns for export. However, to better meet the demand of overseas markets, the city's artisans during the Age of Exploration (15th century to 17th century) often switched from traditional Chinese aesthetics to so-called Kraak Porcelains. Named after a merchant ship that first created its popularity in Amsterdam, this variety had patterns specially designed for the European market.

Based on recent excavations, Guanyinge was the main hub for making these export-tailored products.