Offical glazed tile art exhibition unveiled at Sheraton Grand Beijing Dongcheng Hotel
"Five Elements, Five Colors" explores how colored glazes—blue, white, red, black, and yellow—served as ceremonial symbols in imperial architecture, reflecting the ancient Chinese cosmology of the Five Elements. Notably, yellow glazed tiles were reserved exclusively for imperial buildings.
"Ming and Qing Aesthetics" decodes the architectural symbolism embedded in the ridge-beast arrays of palace roofs, revealing their encoded hierarchies through side-by-side displays of real artifacts and historical interpretations.
"Crafted by Hand" provides a rare, full reconstruction of over 20 traditional processes involved in creating official glazed tiles—from clay refining and shaping to bisque firing and glaze finishing. Every piece demands over ten days of meticulous craftsmanship, using specific clay from western Beijing and firing techniques timed by flame color and seasoned judgment, embodying the philosophy of "divine hands that rival nature."
Running through October 7, 2025, the exhibition weaves together visual art, historical relics, and immersive experiences—where imperial craftsmanship meets contemporary hospitality. With food, culture, and design interlacing across dynasties, the event offers a living, sensory journey into the millennia-old artistry of glazed tile making.
As the ancient saying goes, "Without Liuliqu, there is no Beijing City." This exhibition breathes new life into that adage, transforming timeless imperial heritage into an art form that can be seen, touched, and felt in everyday life.
