A Kwon-glazed porcelain exhibition is ongoing at the Lingnan Association Exhibition Hall from March 15 to April 16.

Kwon-glazed porcelain is a type of color-glazed porcelain. It originated during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and thus has a history of more than 300 years. During certain periods, it gained popularity in the international market, and was exported in large quantities.

Kwon-glazed porcelain is made in a wide range of themes and bright colors. Its production process consists of drawing a design, selecting the porcelain, producing pigment, and then painting and firing the porcelain. It is used to make utensils, furnishings, artwork, toys and religious items.

Decorating Kwon-glazed porcelain includes sancai (yellow, green and purple), wucan (red, yellow, green, black, brown and blue) and enamel, which is made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate through the firing process. Painted porcelain with western styles has also gained popularity.

As an important representation of Lingnan culture, the firing technique used to make Kwon-glazed porcelain is rare and has a well-known reputation at home and abroad. In 2008, this skill was recognized as a form of national intangible cultural heritage.

Works by famous kwon-glazed porcelain makers, Zhao Yiming and Feng Ruihua, are also on display at the exhibition. These two artists have been recognized by Guangdong province as representative inheritors of Kwon-glazed porcelain firing skills, through the national intangible cultural heritage project.

The Kwon-glazed porcelains at the exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account: gzhzfb]