A special Longquan celadon ceramics piece is made for the Hangzhou Asian Games. [Photo/Lishui Daily]

Special pieces of Longquan celadon ceramics – official merchandise that has been tailor-made for the Hangzhou Asian Games – have been given to the embassies of 20 Asian Games participating countries in China.

The gifts have gone to embassies including Pakistan, Iran and Thailand. Each porcelain piece stands 33 centimeters high and is 19 cm wide. They are stunning works of art that blend the civilization of Liangzhu Ancient City – an archaeological site located in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province – and the modern Hangzhou spirit.

It's also the first time that two forms of intangible cultural heritage – Longquan celadon ceramics and filigree inlaying – have been combined in one piece.

Longquan celadon ceramics – which originated in Longquan, a county-level city administered by Lishui city in Zhejiang – have a history of more than 1,700 years. They were a major export of the Maritime Silk Road, reaching more than 50 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe.

The Longquan celadon firing technique is the world's first and China's only ceramics item to be included on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The special ceramics piece has been popular ever since its launch, with more than 3,000 orders placed in less than two months.

According to Chen Hua, head of the creative team for the piece, the Asian Games has provided a great opportunity for the Longquan celadon to showcase its charms to the world.

Chen added that the special gift was a testament to the beauty and culture of the Longquan celadon.