Nixi black pottery

China Plus Published: 2017-06-23 16:36:05
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Nixi black pottery

The soaring, ice-glazed mountains that slide into deep river gorges, high alpine villages where ethnic Tibetans live as they have for centuries, and the miraculously turquoise waters set against the snowcapped mountains: all these are what make China's Yunnan province an exciting destination for those looking for a fairyland. Apart from the beautiful scenery and colourful ethnic culture, Yunnan is also a place where travelers can appreciate the charm of unique handcrafts. Now let's follow our reporter Wang Ling to take a look at the centuries-old tradition of making black pottery in Nixi County. 

Driving westward along the National Road 214 from Shangri-La, through the lofty mountains and deep river gorges, you will eventually arrive at the Tang Dui village of Nixi County tucked away at the southeastern tip of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This Tibetan village is home to the 2000-year-old technique of crafting black pottery that is now a cultural heritage under national protection. 

Guo Junhua is a 7th generation potter who has worked to fire the black-wares for nearly 40 years. He learned this craftsmanship from his father at the age of 6. 

Nixi black pottery

"You know at the age of 6, I had no idea about what the black-ware was. I didn't take it to heart. In order to pass on the craft, my father made me do it. So I spent most of my weekends watching him practicing this black pottery."

Traditional Nixi pottery is utilitarian black ware with decorative porcelain inlay and carving, used by all Tibetan households for cooking, and cultural and religious ceremonies. 

The pottery gets its name from the fact that after firing the clay in the open-air, the earthenware is immediately put into a mixture of sawdust and charcoal, which turns the surface black.

The traditional pottery-making technique that has lasted for thousands of years is still employed by the locals. Though only simple wooden tools such as wooden bats, wooden hammers and wooden separators are used, the pottery-making process is rather complex. First of all, the clay is patted into sticks by the wooden bats, and then kneaded into various shapes by hand; at last, they are fired in a kiln after polishing and decorating.

What makes Nixi black pottery unique is the red clay, a mineral-rich pug that is only found in the area. Guo Jun-hua tells us more. 

Nixi black pottery

"The red clay, weathered granite and quartz are necessary for making black pottery. A mixture of the raw materials will be then sun dried, smashed and patted. The red clay in our village is rich in iron and tin that have the optimum molding properties." 

The unique black pottery is not just an art form. It is also a way of life -- a key source of income for many families who make and sell the pieces. Initially making black potteries to exchange for grain, Guo Jun-hua gradually saw the artsy value of the utilitarian black ware in the 1990s when some overseas travelers came and bought them. So he decided to bring this special artwork out of the mountains and introduce it to more people. 

"I sold each piece for a few yuan at my village. I wanted to try some big cities for the market so I took four pottery pieces with me and went to Shanghai."

To his surprise, Guo Jun-hua reached a deal with a foreigner at the bund in Shanghai to sell all four pieces for 300 yuan. What's more, this generous buyer asked him with much interest about the history and cultural significance of black pottery and encouraged Guo to continue his work and pass on this cultural heritage. 

Guo Jun-hua was inspired by the words of this foreign buyer. He decided to go back home and spend the rest life crafting black pottery, a proud symbol of Tibetan culture. 

Nixi black pottery

"I hope everyone in my village can engage in making black pottery in the future. Black pottery is more than kitchenware; it is artwork and it is our culture. I hope more young people join me in crafting black pottery. With their knowledge and creative minds they can bring new ideas to the ancient technique; and produce both utilitarian and artsy pottery pieces."

With tourism booming in Shangri-La, the reputation of black pottery is continuously growing. Besides domestic buyers, orders also started coming in from foreign countries like the United States, Japan, Switzerland and India. 

In order to help more of his hometown fellows in Tangdui acquire more skills in making black pottery, Guo Jun-hua invested in a company to provide training to the villagers. He also works together with masters of black pottery to see how his skills can be improved.

In 2008, Nixi black pottery was listed as a national-level cultural heritage.

Guo Jun-hua's son, Losang Champa, is also continuing with the tradition.

"The reputation of Nixi black pottery is growing. We need to continue to strive to make out work better. What's more, it is crucial to mix modern designs with old craftsmanship. We are also planning to launch online sales."

That was Wang Ling giving us a report on the tradition of making black pottery in Nixi County, a Tibetan village which is home to the 2000-year-old technique that is now a cultural heritage under national protection.

Nixi black pottery

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