CERAMIC CONNECTIONS

With its balanced, rounded pot and cups, the tea set seems like Chinese ceramic at first glance. But closer inspection of its motif reveals an ancient Ugandan design that is traditionally applied to tribal masks for important seasonal rituals.

"My projects always aim to fuse some aspects of Chinese and Ugandan culture," says the tea set's creator, Ocen Robert.

In 2015, Robert arrived in China from the East African nation to pursue a higher education in ceramic arts at Jingdezhen Ceramic University in East China's Jiangxi province.

"Nihao ('hello' in Mandarin) was the only Chinese word I knew," he says.

Eight years later, Robert, now 33, speaks fluent Mandarin. The Ugandan is also enrolled in a PhD program focusing on design, with his art pieces sold at national-level exhibitions in China.

"China is one of the safest nations I have ever been to," he says.

"I love it here not only because of its safety, but the raw materials and the production techniques for ceramics here are also among the best in the world."

During his time in China, Robert was given many opportunities to participate in ceramic production, exhibitions and even access to experts — all helping to grow the space where he could express his creativity, he says.

Professor Zhang Jingjing, 48, the dean of the international department at Jingdezhen Ceramic University, is one of Robert's mentors. "Robert is exceptionally hardworking and always eager to learn about all aspects of Chinese ceramics," she says.

Zhang says she introduced the International Academy of Ceramics president to Robert when she witnessed her student's passion as a ceramic artist.

The academy, affiliated with UNESCO, is a prominent organization representing the interests of ceramists worldwide.

Robert has since presented some of his best artworks to the organization and expressed his gratitude to the professor for the introduction.

"I couldn't have done it if it weren't for professor Zhang and the help of the Chinese ceramic artists," he says.

"I now introduce other promising Ugandan artists to the IAC, linking Ugandan culture to the world via my Chinese ties."

Local to global

To deepen his understanding and passion for traditional Chinese culture, Robert spends most of his free time in local museums' culture and history sections.

He also gets to know Chinese professionals inside and outside the ceramic world.

"I would love to solidify my career as an artist here while helping to link Uganda and China," Robert says.

"Ugandans are thankful, curious, and passionate about Chinese culture. I would love to introduce the artists back home to study and create ceramic artworks in China and promote them to the world."

Zhang says: "Robert has attained the essential spirit of Chinese ceramic arts — fusing and embracing the differences.

"Loving the imperfection and imbalances has been the standard for Chinese ceramic arts and its creations. Some people love slim lines while others appreciate bold lines on the objects; some like various colors while others prefer a monotone."

Many artists in the field consider diversification part of Chinese ceramic arts in its popularization, accepting flaws in the presentation of unique beauty.

According to Zhang, the current trend in the field is to expand many aspects of its artistic value onto the international stage.

"We would love to present Chinese ceramics as both inheriting traditional designs and craftsmanship, and having globalized, modernized components," she says.

Robert says: "To be a modern artist in Chinese ceramics, one needs to comprehend the full flow of production, which requires years of practice and learning."

One of the most challenging areas of creating his pieces involves creating the "ideal shape and thickness", he says. "I fail at times, but I always practice and try again and again."

Zhang agrees with her student, saying that artists should be able to "understand the materials that go into the work, the glazing, the engraving, or the painting of the surface, and everything else related to the creation of the artwork, before calling oneself an artist in ceramics".

Growth hub

Chinese ceramic boasts a long history — it was a major commodity on the ancient Silk Road, making up a significant portion of the goods from imperial China that were traded.

Jingdezhen, the celebrated ceramics hub, is now being positioned as a national cultural inheritance and innovation pilot zone for the industry.

In line with the Belt and Road Initiative, efforts are also being made to leverage the rich ceramic heritage, including promoting cross-cultural cooperation on ceramic arts via national-level exhibitions.

The annual China (Beijing) International Ceramics Exhibition alone attracts more than 400 major participants, including British, Thai, and Japanese artists.

At the event in July, master engraver Shi Shangjian, 52, told reporters that he had been practicing traditional engraving techniques since he was 13.

"Ceramic art is about learning, adapting, and creating," Shi says, pointing to an artwork with intricate butterfly designs.

"We adopted Western engraving styles and also introduced the use of machinery, creating finer details that appeal to observers from every angle," he says.

"You get the hang of engraving after a decade of practice. You can become an independent craftsman after two decades. After five decades, you can call yourself a skilled ceramic engraving artist."

At major industry events, Jingdezhen Ceramic University is also helping to preserve and promote the ceramic art legacy by giving its students platforms to showcase their work.

"Combining the use and artistic value of ceramics with material science and manufacturing technologies is essential for schools to teach Chinese ceramic arts," says professor Sun Qinghua, 58, an expert in traditional Chinese artifacts and art styles.

Chinese ceramics will always be capable of incorporating global art forms and innovative manufacturing techniques, he says. "We strive to promote and increase global understanding of Chinese values via Chinese ceramic arts."

Chinese ceramic arts majors also have a firm grounding in material science and engineering, constantly representing China and winning international awards for their creations and products, he adds.

"With the global output of Chinese ceramic art designs and projects, Chinese culture is presented in artistic, abstract ways," Sun says.

Luo Yilin and Chang Aohancontributed to this story.