Twenty-two years ago, a young artist named Li Yanxun left his hometown of Chaozhou in Guangdong on the Chinese mainland and arrived in the fabled city of Jingdezhen. Instantly captivated by the Porcelain Capital’s legendary kilns and centuries-old heritage, he saw beyond the uniform rows of ceramics to the creative potential hidden in each lump of clay.
Li had mastered ceramic painting to such a level that collectors would question whether his vibrant scenes were rendered on paper or porcelain. Yet, as praise poured in, a realization took hold: he was layering art onto clay rather than letting the material itself guide his vision.
Driven by a desire to honor the true art of ceramics, Li pivoted. He left behind his signature brushstrokes and immersed himself in every stage of the process — from wheel-throwing to glaze formulation and sunlit firings in Jingdezhen’s studios.
Today, Li Yanxun’s pieces blur the line between surface decoration and sculptural form. His works unite the precision of painted detail with the organic lines of hand-crafted vessels, reflecting both tradition and trailblazing creativity.
Li’s story resonates far beyond Jingdezhen’s kilns. For global creators, entrepreneurs and wanderers alike, his journey underscores the power of asking “What if?” — and daring to reshape the craft in pursuit of authenticity and impact.
Reference(s):
Li Yanxun: From Ceramic Painting to the Art of Painting Ceramics
cgtn.com
