Yongsheng Ceramics

Yongsheng Ceramics

　　Yongsheng porcelain is the crystallization of traditional craftsmanship and modern high technology. Among its offerings, the mid- to high-end ethnic tableware features crystal-clear, dazzlingly translucent porcelain,

　　 with simple yet elegant shapes. The color palette includes vibrant yet refined underglaze colors that are rich and graceful without being gaudy; as well as pastel tones with strong ethnic characteristics that enjoy

　　 a high reputation. There are also spray-pattern decorations with clear imagery, distinct layers, and a strong three-dimensional effect, all of which fully reflect the unique style of Yunnan

　　and its rich local characteristics. Its 15-piece set of underglaze blue-and-white tea sets and peacock-themed coffee sets have won the “Golden Elephant Award” for outstanding light industrial products in Yunnan Province; as well as the “Creative Design Award” at the first national “Jingdezhen Cup” International Fine Ceramics Competition. A large number of daily-use ceramics are exported to Southeast Asia through border trade,

　　becoming an important trade item along the “Southern Silk Road.” In 1960, when Premier Zhou Enlai visited Myanmar, Yongsheng porcelain was used as a gift.

　　Yongsheng porcelain has been capable of mass production since the eighth year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1869). The *Newly Compiled Yunnan General Gazetteer* states: “The porcelain clay produced in Yongbei is superior to that of Anhui and Jiangxi. Recently, Yongbei porcelain has been competing with that of Jiangxi, and is found throughout western Yunnan.” During the Republican era, the ceramic-making techniques of Jingdezhen in Jiangxi were introduced, giving Yongsheng porcelain its characteristic crystal-clear, bright translucence and elegant, beautifully painted designs. Today, Yongsheng has both prefectural and county-level porcelain factories, whose products

　　not only sell well within and outside the province but are also exported to various countries in Southeast Asia.

　　Yongsheng porcelain has been capable of mass production since the eighth year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1869). The *Newly Compiled Yunnan General Gazetteer* states: “The porcelain clay produced in Yongbei is superior to that of Anhui and Jiangxi. Recently, Yongbei porcelain has been competing with that of Jiangxi, and is found throughout western Yunnan.” During the Republican era, the ceramic-making techniques of Jingdezhen in Jiangxi were introduced, giving Yongsheng porcelain its characteristic crystal-clear, bright translucence and elegant, beautifully painted designs. Today, Yongsheng has both prefectural and county-level porcelain factories, whose products

　　not only sell well within and outside the province but are also exported to various countries in Southeast Asia.

　　Yongsheng has built both prefectural and county-level porcelain factories, whose products not only sell well within and outside the province but are also exported to various countries in Southeast Asia.

　　Yongsheng porcelain is made from kaolin clay. Kaolin is a product of the decomposition of various crystalline rocks and is found in the Guanzhaoshan area, about 20 kilometers southeast of Yongsheng County, with reserves exceeding 5 million tons. Most of it can be mined openly, and the clay is white, fine-textured, highly fire-resistant, and considered premium material for porcelain production.

　　The specific production methods vary depending on the type of product, but generally include four stages: material preparation, forming, painting and coloring, and firing. Decoration techniques include underglaze blue, pastel tones, underglaze multicolor, spray patterns, printing, low relief carving, colored glazes, and more. A mechanized production line has now been established, offering nearly 100 varieties with an annual output of over 30 million pieces.

　　The specific production methods vary by type, but generally involve four stages: material preparation, blank making, painting and coloring, and firing.

　　Decoration techniques include underglaze blue, famille rose, underglaze polychrome, spray decoration, printing, bas-relief, colored glaze, and more.

　　A mechanized production line has now been established, offering nearly 100 varieties with an annual output of over 30 million pieces.