(MENAFN) Yuet Tung China Works, a porcelain factory located in Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, has been crafting porcelain pieces for nearly a century. As visitors step inside the factory, they are greeted by exquisite and unique Cantonese-style porcelain pieces that adorn the walls and shelves. The artisans can be seen painting or coloring on porcelain bodies, showing their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to their work.
The factory's collection ranges from designs featuring the Grand View Garden in A Dream of Red Mansions to modern Hong Kong landmarks. At Art Central 2023, the factory's collection of Guangcai porcelain drew much attention. Joseph Tso, the third-generation successor of the factory, takes great pride in the skills of Guangcai.
Guangcai is a traditional craft that involves painting and firing various colored paints on white porcelain vessels. The pigment is delicately applied onto the porcelain body, imbuing it with subdued tones and a matte finish. After being fired at a scorching 800 degrees Celsius, the pigment is transformed into a permanent, vitrified state, revealing a stunningly transparent and smooth porcelain masterpiece that is a feast for the eyes.
According to Tso, becoming a Guangcai painter requires at least three years of apprenticeship. The most crucial aspect of Guangcai is the composition of the image and the freehand drawing of lines. Aspiring artists must first learn to draw lines before being able to create more complex designs.
Using a box to support their hands, painters deftly wield a brush in one hand and a porcelain dish in the other, creating perfect circles like the smooth movement of a needle on a record player. During the 1960s and 1970s, the ceramics factory flourished, with approximately 300 painters handcrafting and painting the delicate porcelain pieces.
Yuet Tung China Works is not just a factory, but also a living monument to the cultural heritage of Hong Kong. The factory has preserved the traditional art of porcelain making and painting, passing it down from generation to generation. The artisans at Yuet Tung China Works continue to use their skills to create beautiful and unique porcelain pieces, showcasing the beauty and artistry of traditional Chinese porcelain.
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