Jingdezhen smashing porcelain's old-fashioned image

Some of the modern ceramics on offer. [Photo by Rosemary Bolger/chinadaily.com.cn]

Artist Pan Zhaimin, whose works are on display at a gallery in the precinct, paints on porcelain which he says gives paintings a distinct vibrant color. Explaining one of his landscape paintings, he says he deliberately chose a porcelain factory surrounded by tea plantation as his subject.

"The two industries have been connected since traditionally porcelain has been used for drinking tea," he said. That close link is easy to see on Saturdays when umbrellas and tables spring up as more than 100 artists, many of them students from the ceramics institute, sell their wares. There is an endless choice of fine tea pots and delicate cups, many with a modern take on the traditional tea set. Quirky vases, ceramic pots full of succulents and modern jewelry are also on offer. I suggest visitors make Jingdezhen the last stop on any holiday because your suitcase is likely to be a whole lot heavier by the time you head for the airport.