Fired clay crafts ode to memory and peace

Kang Ning, director of the publicity department of the Beijing-based Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, described the themed exhibition as a vital step in encouraging ceramic artists to root their creations in the spirit of the times — to document a historic journey, promote national spirit, and share China's story with the world.

To ensure the exhibition captures the grand theme, the organizers invited governments of major porcelain-producing regions, provincial and municipal ceramic industry associations, and a wide network of ceramic artists.

"What touched us deeply was the overwhelming response from all sides," says Dong Bo, vice-chairman of the industry association.

"Ceramic artists poured their passion into works that use clay and glaze to recount those tumultuous years, while local governments and associations actively mobilized resources to support the exhibition," he notes.

Wang Jianzhong, professor at Tsinghua University, and one of the exhibition's judges, notes the poignant symbolism of using ceramics to remember the past.

"In the hands of the artists, cold clay becomes a vessel of memory. Every carved line recalls the sacrifice of the martyrs; every brush of color reflects the value of peace. This exhibition allows us to relive history through art, to recognize the high price of liberation, and to realize how hard-won peace truly is."

The diversity of participating regions and the enthusiastic response, he emphasizes, reflect the profound dedication of ceramic artists to honoring the nation's legacy of resistance and liberation.

Wang praises the ingenuity and thematic precision of the selected works, noting how they effectively embody the exhibition's core message.

"I hope this exhibition grows into a long-standing cultural brand, one that both honors the sacrifices of our forebears and inspires future creations rooted in wisdom, craftsmanship and spirit."

According to organizers, the finest works from the exhibition will be included in the China ceramic digital traceability certification system. Each selected piece will be given a unique digital identity, ensuring that its artistic and historical value is permanently preserved.

This initiative also provides ceramic art enthusiasts and collectors with a credible and authoritative platform for appreciation and collection, further promoting the popularity and development of ceramic art.

Beyond reflection, the exhibition seeks to become a cultural bridge — connecting China with the world and sharing its enduring message of peace and shared future through the timeless language of ceramics.