"Sometimes I had to disguise myself as a farmer when entering a remote mine, but looking back I'm proud because I accomplished something that many people thought was mission impossible."
After numerous experiments, Li and his team developed a perfect mineral component. One Japanese expert described the finished product as "radiating a special glaze reminiscent of a baby's tender skin."
Chinese experts, including Zhang Shouzhi from Tsinghua University, said Li's craftsmanship exceeded that of the renowned 7501 brand ceramics, which were produced in 1975 solely for then Chairman Mao Zedong.
Crucial design
"In addition to quality, shape and pattern, design is also crucial," Li says, adding that some of China's ceramics centers faithfully copy traditional designs. "But that's not progressive. These obsolete concepts and craftsmanship are a bit behind world trends and do not cater to the taste of modern urbanities."
Traditional patterns, such as the God of Fortune, children with pig-tails and characters for "longevity" do not appear in Huang's vases, tea sets and other works. Instead, pale leaves with detailed veins, blossoming pink peonies and flying cranes are depicted for a more modern interpretation of traditional culture.
The current exhibition includes series titled "Land of Ice and Snow," "Blue and White," and "Red-crowned Crane."
"When watching the falling snow in 2008, I was aware that this silver world would be a perfect subject in ceramics," he says. In the series he uses shades of gray, an unusual color for ceramics, which contrast sharply with sheer white and create an elegant impression.
"The subject mirrors my interpretation of an ideal natural world - pure and harmonious," he says. One piece form the "Ice and Snow" series was given to President Obama.
Li has big plans. He wants to provide a platform for exchange about updated china, inviting representatives of famous kilns and young cereamists to his cneter in Shanghai.
Date: Through June 23, 10am-5pm
Address: 659 Honggu Rd
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