Lebanese ceramicist Samar Mougharbel has taken her passion for preserving human memory to the centuries-old kilns of Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province, creating a bridge between past and present. A member of the UNESCO International Academy of Ceramics, Mougharbel fused the legendary Jingdezhen clay with her artistic vision to explore how art can transcend the limits of time and space.
"Our five senses help us perceive the world, but they are bound by time and space," Mougharbel says. "By molding fired clay, we capture moments, emotions, and stories in a material that lives beyond us."
Her new series blends local techniques with contemporary design, crafting vessels and sculptures that serve as vaults of memory. Each piece invites viewers to connect—echoing the textures of classical pottery while reflecting the fleeting moments of modern life.
During her residency, Mougharbel collaborated with local artisans, experimenting with glazes and firing processes rooted in Jingdezhen’s storied ceramic heritage. This cross-cultural exchange highlighted art’s power to create dialogues across borders and generations.
For globally minded artists, travelers and thought leaders, Mougharbel’s work is a reminder that creativity and memory are inseparable. In a digital age where content fades, these clay creations stand as tactile testaments to our shared stories.
As her residency concludes, Mougharbel prepares to exhibit her collection internationally, inviting audiences from across the globe to experience the enduring essence of clay. Through her hands, a simple lump of earth becomes a vessel for history, emotion, and hope.
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Lebanese ceramicist: Ceramics are a way to keep human memory
cgtn.com
