Longquan Celadon: A Living Legacy of Chinese Ceramics

As the saying goes, "Half of China’s ceramic history lies in Zhejiang, and half of Zhejiang’s ceramic legacy lies in Longquan." This enduring expression, first voiced by renowned ceramic archaeologist Chen Wanli, captures the central role that Longquan has played in the evolution of Chinese ceramics.

With a heritage stretching back more than 1,700 years, Longquan celadon has long been celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, refined aesthetics, and distinctive glaze. It reached its peak during the Song Dynasty, when its jade-like surface—smooth as silk and green as emerald—became a symbol of elegance favored by the imperial court. Its beauty and durability made it one of China’s most prized exports, spreading its influence along the Maritime Silk Road and establishing Longquan as a cultural emissary on the global stage.

In 2019, at the Longquan Celadon and Globalization exhibition held at the Palace Museum, Geng Baochang, often referred to as “China’s foremost expert in ceramic authentication,” honored the legacy of Longquan by inscribing the words “天下龙泉”—a powerful affirmation of the region’s historic and artistic significance.

What sets Longquan celadon apart is its subtle harmony of form and color: a gray-white clay body paired with a thin, translucent glaze, creating vessels that radiate the quiet elegance of jade. These pieces embody the timeless ideals of Chinese art—grace, balance, and natural beauty.

In recognition of its enduring cultural value, the traditional firing techniques of Longquan celadon were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009—making it the only ceramic tradition in the world to receive this distinction.

Today, Longquan's legacy continues to thrive. Contemporary artisans uphold ancient techniques while embracing modern design, innovation, and sustainability. From expanded glaze palettes to eco-conscious craftsmanship, modern Longquan celadon bridges past and present—retaining its cultural soul while evolving with the times.

More than a craft, Longquan celadon is a living art form—an enduring symbol of China’s artistic excellence, reborn for the future and shared with the world.