Nestled in the landscapes of southwestern Zhejiang lies the historic town of Suichang. It is home to the 4,500-year-old Haochuan Culture site and the profound Tang Xianzu Culture, both of which have been continuously preserved and developed over time, fostering a deep passion for artistic dedication. Suichang pottery is not merely an art form but also a soothing and relaxing experience for the soul. This weekend, embark on a journey to Suichang to explore the beauty of ceramic shapes, listen to the whispers of clay origins, and create your own exquisite masterpiece.
Black Pottery: The origins of Haochuan Culture in Suichang date back over 4,500 years. In 1997, archaeological excavations in the Haochuan area uncovered over a thousand artifacts, including stone tools, jades, pottery, and lacquerware, with black pottery ranking among the foremost. For heritage enthusiasts, a visit to the Haochuan Site Exhibition Hall in Sanren She Ethnic Township offers insights into this ancient culture. Nearby, the Sandun Traditional Culture and Art Park provides hands-on experiences in black pottery making. Tang Jianhua’s studio there is filled with a diverse array of black pottery pieces. The ground floor serves as a workshop, while the upper level houses a reception area and exhibition space. From the “Plum Vase” collected by former U.S. President Nixon—a gift from the Zhejiang Provincial Government—to “Love of Qian’ou” housed in a British museum, and everyday utensils, Tang Jianhua’s works embody masterful craftsmanship. Delve into Haochuan Culture, learn black pottery techniques, and find tranquility amid the hustle and bustle. Here, under Tang Jianhua’s guidance, feel the vitality of pottery, unleash your unique imagination in the clay, and shape distinctive black pottery creations with your fingertips. Tang Jianhua Black Pottery Studio | Sandun Traditional Culture and Art Park, Sanren She Ethnic Township, Suichang County. Xia Pottery: Suichang’s “Xia Pottery” is primarily crafted from local red clay, innovating upon traditional black pottery methods through purely manual techniques. In Changlian Cultural Village, Xia Lichang’s Xia Pottery Studio resembles a small pottery museum, displaying hundreds of handmade ceramic works. Each Xia Pottery piece is characterized by its sturdy texture, rustic yet elegant forms, substantial weight, and smooth, silky finish. For pottery enthusiasts, engaging in the fun of “playing with mud” allows for creative expression, resulting in unique ceramic artifacts. Beyond making Xia Pottery tea sets, you can immerse yourself in the process, freely designing whimsical and charming pieces in various styles. Xia Pottery Studio | 13757856851 | Changlian Cultural Village, Yunfeng Street, Suichang County. Celadon: Starting from the urban area, follow the North Stream south for five kilometers to Sandun Bridge, where Jiangnan-style architecture with white walls and gray tiles gradually unfolds. Wenchang Celadon is situated here, offering a glimpse into the refined art of celadon pottery.Nestled among overlapping peaks, lush vegetation, and murmuring streams, the landscape is exquisitely beautiful. Here, you can explore the Jiqing Museum to admire various celadon exhibits, or visit the celadon workshop to experience hands-on celadon crafting with intangible cultural heritage inheritors. The beauty of celadon lies in its warmth and simplicity. Stepping into the Jiqing Museum, the stunning celadon pieces instantly uplift the languid summer spirits.
After your visit, take a moment to relax at the Qingju Tea Room, sipping a cup of fresh tea while enjoying a leisurely book. Then, head to the celadon workshop to experience the art of celadon at your fingertips, shaping a unique pottery piece that becomes the most meaningful gift for yourself this summer. Wenchang Celadon | 13857041800 | Suichang County, Sanren She Ethnic Township, Sandunqiao, Wenchang Celadon Cultural Industrial Park Ceramic art, passed down through millennia, embodies a unique soul and character in each piece. While appreciating the beauty of the landscape, immerse yourself in the fusion of clay and fire, embarking on an artistic journey at your fingertips.