Learning in the Factories

Studying colored glazes, Jingdezhen (1959)

Spending time in the factories, gave me a chance to work, exercise, alongside masters.

Watching master’s demonstration, Jingdezhen (1959)

I learned a lot by carefully observing each master demonstrating and explaining to me the specifics of each type of traditional decoration, under and over glaze and secrets of creating vases which will resist porcelain high firing temperature.

I was fascinated by technological problems I did not understand.

Discussing the result of firing, Jingdezhen (1959)

Factory’s decorator, Jingdezhen (1959)

Apart from learning many ways of decorating white porcelain, I felt a deep attraction to understand the mysteries of colored porcelain glazes, obtained in firing at at high temperature.

I was puzzled knowing how limited was the number of coloring oxides which withstood high temperature, and how rich and diverse were the color and texture of glazes obtained.

See all my blog posts about my experience in China, 1955-1961.