Feature: How Blanc de Chine bridges centuries of global trade in porcelain

As the Chinese county Dehua reinterprets its centuries-old craftsmanship for today, its porcelain continues to bridge cultures through innovation.

FUZHOU, China, June 18 (Xinhua) -- In the factories of Dehua County of Quanzhou City in southeast China's Fujian Province, ceramic workers are racing against time to fulfill Christmas orders destined for overseas markets.

With a history spanning over five centuries, Dehua ceramics have evolved from gracing the tables of European royal courts to adorning the kitchen cupboards of Western homes.

"BLANC DE CHINE"

As a key trade commodity on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Dehua porcelains began to be exported as early as the 10th century during China's Southern Song Dynasty, reached their peak in the 17th and 18th centuries, and continue to be produced to this day.

The global footprint of Dehua ceramics spans countries along the Maritime Silk Road, extending deep into Europe. Traces of Dehua porcelain have been unearthed outside China, bearing witness to its far-reaching influence.

White porcelain, in particular, first entered Europe in the 16th century, quickly becoming popular. It was dubbed the "Blanc de Chine" -- literally "White from China" -- by the French owing to its creamy, milky color and lustrous surface.

The Tokyo National Museum in Japan also houses a large collection of exquisite Dehua porcelain pieces from ancient China, many of which were shipped and traded along the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Experts see this transcontinental fascination as an early symbol of cultural diplomacy. "More than just a form of art, it has served as a vital medium for trade and cultural exchange between China and Japan," Zhang Minggui, executive secretary general of the Dehua ceramic art masters alliance, said in an exhibition tour held at the Museum of Kyoto in March.

DIVERSE TASTES

To date, Dehua's porcelain industry continues to evolve -- its wares found not just in museums but also on the dining tables and mantelpieces of everyday homes.

June is one of the busiest periods for local manufacturers, as they prepare shipments of ceramic ornaments, kitchenware and others in the run-up to Christmas.

"About 80 percent of our orders are from Europe and North America," said Lian Minpan, CEO of Fujian Redeco Industry and Trading Limited, a major ceramic exporter. Dehua's exports reached 118.5 million U.S. dollars in the first quarter of 2025, marking an 8.8-percent year-on-year increase, according to local official data.

Dehua is also actively promoting overseas exhibitions as part of its efforts to enhance the international visibility of Dehua white porcelain.

Earlier this month, the "Yu·Jian" civilizations exchange event opened in Central Asia's Turkmenistan. The accompanying Dehua white porcelain exhibition features over 40 modern works that blend tradition and innovation, with horse-themed pieces highlighting the shared cultural ties and friendship between the two nations.

In January, the "White from China" exhibition was held in Malaysia, with over 40 contemporary pieces on display.

"Each piece is unique," said Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, secretary general of the Ministry of National Unity, expressing hope that such events will deepen cultural exchange and inspire future collaborations between Malaysia and China.

Such exhibitions have also been launched in the United States, Belgium and other parts of the world in recent years. From everyday mugs to exquisite china creations, Dehua's porcelain has been subtly integrated into seasonal lifestyles worldwide.

CRAFT MEETS INNOVATION

To meet evolving global demand while preserving their legacy, Dehua's porcelain makers are undergoing a revolution that embraces technological innovation with cultural refinement.

In modernized workshops, automatic kilns and AI-powered design tools now enhance precision and efficiency. The traditional ceramic production process involves dozens of steps, all of which rely on manual skill and are prone to variable quality.

Automation is transforming the traditional production process at Dehua Tongxin Ceramics Co., Ltd. A total of 75 intelligent production lines operate at full capacity, pressing clay into flowerpot shapes in 10 seconds, completing slip casting molds in 15 seconds, and finishing a complete rolling cycle in just 10 minutes.

"Automated production not only lowers manufacturing costs, but also significantly improves the yield rate," said Zeng Liangfeng, general manager of Tongxin Ceramics. According to Zeng, the company's new facility will be developed into a digitized smart factory, with automation expected to reach 80 percent.

Beyond production, companies are cultivating high-value cultural brands. Artisans collaborate to create porcelain that merges Eastern symbolism with Western aesthetics.

Quanzhou Shunmei Group has partnered with internationally renowned brands, including Disney and Starbucks. By creating ceramic products inspired by their iconic intellectual property, the company has achieved strong market appeal both at home and abroad.

As Dehua reinterprets its centuries-old craftsmanship for the modern era, its porcelain continues to serve as a cultural bridge carrying forward the spirit of innovation and deepening the dialogue between different civilizations in an interconnected world. ■