East and West: Ceramic Crafts

Integrating Oriental and Western Cultures in Jingdezhen

The main highlight of East and West is the ceramic handicraft in the shape of an ant. The designers have ingeniously used Chinese traditional blue and white paper and electroplating technology to create the ant image. By combining elements from both eastern and western cultures, they have transformed waste blue and white paper into stunning ant ceramics, resulting in a series of exquisite and unique works.

The realization of this design involves various techniques. The ant sculpture is created through sculpture mold turning, while a significant amount of wasted blue and white paper is recycled and incorporated into the design using modern electroplating technology. The final product is a handcrafted ceramic sculpture measuring 160mm in length, 120mm in depth, and 300mm in height.

The production process of East and West takes place in Jingdezhen, a renowned center for ceramic craftsmanship. The ceramics are fired at high temperatures of 1300 degrees Celsius, ensuring their durability and quality. To make each ant sculpture truly one-of-a-kind, different factories in Jingdezhen contribute various types of recycled blue and white paper.

East and West was launched in July 2020 and completed in July 2021, entirely in Jingdezhen. The project involved extensive research, particularly focusing on the concept of recycling. By incorporating recycled blue and white paper into the design, the project aims to promote environmental protection. Additionally, the fusion of oriental and western cultures in the visual design creates a captivating aesthetic.

The East and West project faced several challenges throughout its development. The primary challenge was in the production of the ant sculpture, followed by the design and application of recycled blue and white paper on the ceramics. The designers also had to master the intricacies of ceramic technology to bring their vision to life.

East and West has received recognition for its innovative and well-designed approach. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2022. This prestigious award is given to creations that demonstrate practicality, innovation, and adherence to professional and industrial requirements. The project's integration of industry best practices and technical characteristics contributes to a better world.

East and West is a testament to the power of creativity and cultural fusion. By repurposing traditional materials and combining diverse influences, Jianfeng Yu and Chao Yang have created a collection of captivating ceramic crafts that bridge the gap between east and west.