Cheng Linyao, a guardian of Jingdezhen’s intangible heritage of blue-and-white porcelain, embarked on an inspiring journey of creativity in 2020. It all began with an iris in Istanbul that captivated Cheng Linyao and her Turkish husband, Haken. They ventured across oceans to bring the essence of this bloom to Jingdezhen, where it blossomed into “Lovely Flower” – a ceramic masterpiece that claimed the top prize at the Ceramics Creative Design (Copyright) Competition during the fifth Arab Art Festival in 2022.
Haken, a dedicated ceramics enthusiast, set foot in China back in 2013. Swiftly recognizing the potential of the ceramics market following General Secretary Xi Jinping’s introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative, Haken’s journey took a romantic twist at the 115th session of the Canton Fair in 2014 when he crossed paths with Cheng Linyao. Love bloomed, and their shared passion for ceramics ignited. Together, they embarked on a mission to export ceramics to countries along the Belt and Road.
Over the past decade, thanks to the advancements in transportation infrastructure, including the CR Express, Jingdezhen ceramics on Haken’s orders have traveled swifter and farther than ever before. Haken has spent years introducing the splendor of Jingdezhen ceramics to friends from foreign lands. His message has always been clear: “Don’t just take my word for it! Come and witness Jingdezhen’s magic firsthand, and create your porcelain masterpieces. Only then can you truly comprehend the artistry and craftsmanship involved.”
During the creation of “Lovely Flower,” Haken delved deeper into the rich culture and fine artistry of Jingdezhen ceramics. According to Cheng Linyao, this piece captures the living essence of flowers and conveys their love and hope for future generations.
She emphasizes that Jingdezhen ceramics possess a unique power to connect people from countries along the Belt and Road, transcending cultural boundaries through their rich historical roots. Cheng Linyao is ardent about sharing her hometown’s culture with the world and preserving the legacy of Jingdezhen’s blue-and-white porcelain. She has been tirelessly working to establish the Blue and White Sycamore Culture Research Association, aimed at promoting and celebrating Jingdezhen’s ceramic art through the world-renowned “Porcelain with blue and white sycamore pattern.” Furthermore, she envisions that the Association will serve as a bridge for forging enduring bonds of friendship and culture between China and other countries along the Belt and Road through the medium of ceramics.
