Local officials from Yixing, Jiangsu Province, are keen on promoting the local pottery industry, according to an article by China Daily, that's why a pottery exhibition showcasing local ceramic artworks at a museum in London couldn't happen at a better time.
Held at the British Museum in London on Tuesday, April 12, the exhibition features over 60 ceramics from Yixing. The event was hosted by the City University London and the China National Tourist Office, London branch.
Approximately 100 British enthusiasts attended the event, where guests can view works by 34 Yixing artists.
Included in the display are decorative ceramic objects, plates, clay pots, vases, and cups made using ancient Yixing ceramic techniques, some of which date back to the 15th century.
"Yixing ceramics are deeply rooted in history and tradition, which can be observed from the works' design, use of material and fine details in the craftsmanship," said Shi Juntang, president of the Yixing Ceramic Industry Association, in an interview with China Daily. "But it is continually changing through innovation to make more beautiful designs and skillful process of production."
Shi hopes that the exhibit will promote Yixing ceramics among European pottery enthusiasts to open a market for such works in Europe in the future.
"Currently Yixing ceramics have a large market in China and South East Asia, but in the future we'd like to sell them in Europe and other countries internationally," Shi said.
It's not impossible, as Yixing ceramic ware display "dynamics between tradition and creativity."
"There is a very set discipline for the construction of Yixing teapots, but within these confines a breadth of designs can be found," said Christine-Ann Richards, a British ceramics artist.
If Yixing wares were to be sold in the United Kingdom, they would attract a market of niche buyers, according to Rob Kesseler, a professor of ceramic art and design at Central Saint Martins College.
Yixing ceramics would also be sold within a wide range of prices, from approximately 100 pounds to even 10,000 pounds. It all depends on the artist, the design, and detail in production, said Shi.