For centuries, Qinzhou city in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has been renowned for its Minxing Pottery. With the support of the local government, the ancient art has seen a revival in recent years.
Minxing Pottery was first made in Guangxi in the mid-Tang Dynasty some 1,300 years ago. Its raw material is clay from the banks of the Qinjiang river. The clay contains various minerals, gray particulars which change to purple, scarlet or white after passing through the kiln. Ceramics with rare colors are seen as priceless treasures. Over the past century, Minxing pottery pieces have received honors at several international exhibitions. Masterpieces sit proud in national museums in over 20 countries.
In the 1960s, the ancient art stopped thriving as workshops were closed down and master pottery-makers couldn't find apprentices. In 2000, the local government took measures to revive Minxing pottery by providing funds and manpower. After years of hard work, several large workshops have been set up and their works have found a place in the international market.
(CCTV.com February 4, 2004)
