Dehua Porcelain Sculptures

Dehua Porcelain Sculptures

Dehua porcelain sculptures are a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Dehua is located in central Fujian Province, along the upper reaches of the Dazhangxi River, with the main peak of Mount Daiyun towering within its borders. The area boasts abundant natural resources and is richly endowed with fine-quality porcelain clay, making it one of China’s renowned porcelain production centers.

　　Dehua porcelain originated in the Song Dynasty and saw significant development during the Ming Dynasty. As Buddhism flourished in China, sculptural art such as depictions of deities and Buddha captured the great interest of porcelain artisans. During the Yuan Dynasty, Dehua porcelain Buddha sculptures became quite popular. By the Ming Dynasty, the craft had developed its own techniques and styles, becoming a unique artistic flower in the garden of Chinese porcelain sculpture. The famed folk porcelain sculptor He Chaozong of that time was not only skilled in clay and wood carving but also excelled in porcelain sculpture. His porcelain Guanyin figures were exquisitely shaped, spiritually moving, with soft lines and deeply detailed drapery. Seated figures exuded solemn dignity with gently flowing robes, while standing ones appeared as if riding the clouds across the sea, with scarves billowing in the wind. He Chaozong’s porcelain sculptures were considered peerless and hailed as “Oriental Art” in Japan and European countries. His portrayals of the Tathagata (Buddha), Maitreya (Future Buddha), Bodhi, Bodhidharma, and arhats were vividly expressive and full of life.

　　There are 72 different styles of porcelain Guanyin sculptures, available in more than 200 sizes. Among them, the Eighteen-Armed Guanyin, Standing Lotus Guanyin, Rock-Sitting Guanyin, and Cloaked Sitting Guanyin are the most renowned. Entering the 1950s, Dehua white porcelain resumed production of over 390 traditional products, with an increasing variety of modern-themed pieces. The Dehua kiln is world-famous for producing white-glazed porcelain. With its fine-quality body, snow-white appearance like jade, glossy and silky glaze, full translucency, it has earned titles such as “China’s Ivory White,” “Creamy White,” and “The Finest of Chinese Porcelain.”