The pottery craftsmanship of Pengguanzhuang village in Tianjin's Ninghe district was recently featured in the TV program Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This cultural program, produced by China Media Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and recently filmed in Tianjin, explores its cultural wisdom and the artistic essence of things created by the local people, giving viewers a closer look at its intangible cultural heritage and a chance to experience the unique regional charm of its cultural heritage.
The pottery craftsmanship of Pengguanzhuang village in Ninghe district was among the nearly 40 distinctive intangible cultural heritage projects in Tianjin presented in the TV program.
Pottery making in Pengguanzhuang village of Ninghe district
The sticky clay soil in Pengguanzhuang village is an important raw material for pottery making.
The process includes digging up and sun-drying the clay, kneading, hand-pinching, wheel-throwing, mold shaping, firing and other steps.
Han Kesheng, an 18th-generation inheritor of this ancestral craft, was influenced from an early age by his ancestors and developed a deep love for pottery.
Han innovated within the tradition, introducing the concept of "neo-classicism" and creating various types of antique-style pottery, producing over 1,500 varieties.
Drawing inspiration from modern advances in the craft, Han integrated new technologies into traditional techniques to produce unique, exquisitely crafted antique-style pottery pieces, each with its own distinct style and ancient charm.
A pottery work made by Han Kesheng
Pengguanzhuang village's pottery making technique has a long history, various forms, unique shapes, a strong rural atmosphere and local characteristics. It embodies rich scientific and technological genes, representing the wisdom and insights accumulated through the long-term practices of the working people. It stands out as a prime example of the local economic development.
Learn more about Ninghe's pottery making technique in the Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage.