Amid the vibrant aisles of the 21st International Cultural Industries Fair, a quiet corner dedicated to China's Taiwan region draws crowds with a single craft: black-glazed porcelain built on a half-century of dedication.
Meet Pai Peng-yin, affectionately known as the "Porcelain Granny." For more than 50 years, she has molded clay into lustrous vessels using one of the island of Taiwan’s most traditional techniques. While sleek expo booths buzz with the latest tech and trends, Pai’s humble station is a time capsule—each curved bowl and teacup a testament to personal and cultural heritage.
Her process is deceptively simple. Spoon the right amount of local kaolin clay, shape it by hand, dip it in a jet-black glaze and fire it at high temperatures. The result? Deep, mirror-like finishes that capture light and shadow in every ripple. For business and tech enthusiasts scanning the fair for innovations, Pai’s work is a reminder that tradition can shine as brightly as any cutting-edge gadget.
"We've always been Chinese," Pai says softly, her words carrying the weight of decades spent preserving an art form that bridges history and identity. It's a candid statement that resonates beyond cultural politics—reminding young global citizens that heritage often hides in the smallest details.
Travelers, digital nomads and thought leaders alike find themselves drawn to her booth, discovering real-world impact in every handcrafted piece. In an era of mass production, Pai’s mission is clear: protect these quiet stories encoded in clay, one porcelain teapot at a time.
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Porcelain granny's mission: Saving the stories hidden in clay
cgtn.com
