Ceramic artists from Taiwan gathered in Xitou village, Lishui, on Nov 16, to join local artisans in a collective firing using a traditional dragon kiln, where they exchanged skills and shared experiences.

The dragon kiln, built on slopes to resemble a climbing dragon, is a traditional wood fire kiln in China and one of the best and oldest ways to firing ceramics.

During the opening ceremony at the kiln, inheritors of the Longquan celadon, dressed in traditional attire, performed a ritual to express gratitude to their ancestors.

Exquisite Longquan celadon pieces are unveiled at the kiln opening ceremony in Xitou village, Lishui. [Photo/WeChat ID: wxlishui]

When four ceramic artists from Taiwan opened the protective saggars together, exquisite celadon pieces were pulled out and gleamed in the sunlight, showing the unique charm of Longquan celadon.

"The scenery in Xitou village is enchanting, and the kiln opening ceremony is both grand and sacred. Each piece of celadon is a masterpiece, and I deeply felt the unique charm and cultural essence of Longquan celadon," said Zheng Mancai, a ceramic artist from Taiwan.

"The ceramic culture here is rich, and participating in such a grand ceremony is a rare experience and will be a precious memory for me," said Chen Xiaofeng, a ceramic artist from Taiwan.