Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM) collaborated with Tsinghua University to carry out a 10-day cultural exchange activity on Chinese ceramic intangible cultural heritage and craftmanship. This activity was initiated by Mr. Wu Haoyu, an associate professor from the Department of Ceramic Design at Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, who invited six students from IFTM to join this activity. With the theme of ceramic culture and its traditional craftmanship, IFTM students gained an understanding of the cultural diversity and significance of Chinese intangible cultural heritage. The IFTM student group was led by Dr. Chen Zhaoyu, Vicky from the School of Tourism Management. The entire trip included visits to Beijing, Jingdezhen City and Wuyuan County in Shangrao City in Jiangxi Province, from 31 July to 9 August, 2023. The students visited various places in Beijing, such as the Caochangdi International Art Village, 798 Art District, Tsinghua University, and the Prince Kung’s Palace Museum, to understand the creative ways of interpreting artworks and the creative spaces of artists, as well as to experience the cultural atmosphere of the city.
The group visited Jingdezhen City, known as the “Porcelain Capital”. Here, the students learned the origin and contribution of ceramic culture to the development of the city, as well as the innovation of ceramic craftsmanship in different eras, so as to form the cultural atmosphere of the place through visiting the Jingdezhen China Ceramics Museum, Jingdezhen Folk Kiln Museum, and Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Institute. The IFTM student group also visited ceramic-related industrial heritage sites, such as the Bingding Wood Kiln Art Museum and Taoxichuan (a creative zone that used to be the factories for ceramic production), to understand the scenes of old kiln firing and the wisdom of craftsmanship, as well as to appreciate the ways in which these industrial heritage sites cultivate the younger generation in the cultural dissemination of ceramics.
The students also went Jingdezhen Ceramic University, the only multidisciplinary university in China with ceramics as its name. Students had the opportunity to visit its gallery and studios where they could witness the collision of diverse cultural exchanges and the process of creative incubation among its students. During the visit to Mingfang Garden and China Top Porcelain Exhibition Hall, the students learned about the important role and function of porcelain as a carrier of Chinese culture on important diplomatic occasions such as state-level banquets, as well as the exquisite and ingenious craftsmanship that fully embodies Chinese cultural confidence. In addition, the students gained hands-on experience with several steps in the production of ceramics, such as underglaze coloration and moulding, as well as other intangible craftsmanship in Jingdezhen, such as painted oil-paper umbrellas. It allowed the students to gain practical experience from what they have seen in the last few days.
Aside from learning about ceramic craftsmanship, the students also visited the surrounding areas of Jingdezhen, such as Yao Li Ancient Town, the birthplace of Jingdezhen ceramics, and Wuyuan Town, a historic county with traditional Huizhou civilization, to earn a deeper understanding of the traditional ecology and aesthetic value of Hui’s vernacular architecture inherited among local communities. This trip allowed the students to fully appreciate the value of Chinese ceramic culture, ranging from traditional villages to ancient buildings to the diverse forms of intangible elements and associated cultural landscapes. Finally, IFTM appreciated the following parties for their substantial support of this visit in Jingdezhen: Ms. Zhang Jingjing, Dean of International School, Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Mr. Feng Shaojun, Deputy Curator of Jingdezhen China Ceramics Museum, and Mr. Sun Lixin, Chairman of Jiangxi Folk Literature and Art Association.
Jingdezhen City in Jiangxi Province, as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, has rich ceramic features and culture. Macao, also a UNESCO World Heritage City, has a mix of Chinese and Western cultures with outstanding universal values. The Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural and Heritage Management offered by IFTM is also dedicated to the protection and transmission of cultural heritage under the guidance of international conservation practices. Through this kind of cultural exchange activity, it is beneficial for both Macao and Jingdezhen City to establish conversations on their respective cultural resources and have fruitful exchanges. At the same time, it promotes friendship and mutual understanding between Macao and Mainland China and expands the influence of Chinese ceramic intangible cultural heritage while attracting more high-quality talents to engage in the relevant field, thus achieving sustainable development. In the future, IFTM will continue promoting the establishment and sharing of innovative platforms with mainland universities, carrying out collaborative research on science, technology, and cultural innovation, and continuously promoting cultural and academic exchanges.
