On show is an exquisite porcelain piece called Paper, by Su Xianzhong. [Photo provided to China Daily] 

In Shanghai, an exhibition called Pure by Nature: The Art of Blanc de Chine is wowing visitors at the China Art Museum, have attracted over 500,000 people to date.

Showcasing 200 exquisite pieces, the exhibition, which runs to Sept 19, highlights the historical legacy and contemporary achievements of white porcelain made in Dehua county, Quanzhou city, Fujian province.

It explores the core spirit of this art form and its cross-cultural significance, rooted in the historical context of the Maritime Silk Road.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Dehua porcelain was extensively exported via Quanzhou Port. By the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Dehua white porcelain had reached Europe and America, where many museums considered it a treasured centerpiece, dubbing it Blanc de Chine, a name representing the pinnacle of Chinese white porcelain.

In 2006, Dehua porcelain firing technique was recognized as an item of Chinese national intangible cultural heritage. In 2015, Dehua was named the first "Ceramic Capital of the World" by the United Nations World Handicraft Council. In 2021, the kilns of Dehua were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their significance in medieval maritime trade and cultural exchanges.

Dehua porcelain continues to thrive through a blend of tradition and innovation. Dehua county is now one of China's largest export and production bases for ceramic crafts, with over 4,500 enterprises exporting products to more than 190 countries and regions, generating an annual output value of 66 billion yuan ($9.27 billion).

To keep the art relevant, it must evolve. A new generation of ceramic sculptors is now drawing inspiration from films and animation, catering to young consumer tastes and reshaping how traditional crafts integrate into modern life.

For art to thrive, it must become an industry. The development of traditional crafts requires master artisans and a robust industrial chain. Recently, original export products featuring Chinese cultural elements have gained popularity internationally. For example, a bowl set with chopsticks, launched in 2023, has already sold over a million units.