Thanks to their natural beauty and uniqueness, a set of modern Chai kiln porcelains created by Shenzhen artist Chen Xiaobin have stunned visitors to the Aohu Art Village in Longhua District.

Chai kiln, also known as firewood kiln, is named after the wood is used as the fuel for the fire. It originated more than 3,000 years ago in the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 B.C.). This Chinese traditional ceramics technique fires clay in kilns using wood, flame and ash to glaze pots.

The ash of various kinds of wood falls on the pottery surface, creating a natural ash glaze that is characterized with simpleness, primitiveness and a zen-like style. The glass-like surface texture is generated by potassium carbonate, phosphates, and other metals present in wood ash when fired at temperatures higher than 1,200 degrees Celsius.

Porcelain crafted by Chen Xiaobin. Photo courtesy of the artist

The modern Chai kiln ceramic works draw inspiration from the wabi-sabi traditional Japanese aesthetic. Contemporary ceramic artists pay more attention to the clay, wood fuel, firing schedule, temperature, and other details than to the design and decoration.

Moreover, the Chai kiln’s charm stems from the unique style and appearance of each piece of work. Affected by flame flashing, ash glazing, texture and color formation, kiln design and firing, the yield of most wood kilns is lower than 60%, with the yield of fine work lower than 10%. Before kiln firings, ceramists would worship and honor the kiln god, praying for good luck and the creation of unique pieces.

Having graduated from the Department of Craft and Design of Dong-A University in South Korea, Chen is a member of the ceramics arts committee of the Shenzhen Artists Association and the Shenzhen Youth Artists Association.

As a rising talent in contemporary ceramic art, Chen’s works were selected by several art fairs at home and abroad, such as the 35th Art Busan. Since 2009, he has held a solo exhibition in South Korea and participated in 17 group exhibitions in Japan, South Korea and China.

Chen’s ceramic art exhibition at Aohu Art Village also provides opportunities for residents to learn about the history of the Chai kiln and the science behind pottery-making.

Dates: Until May 22

Booking: 133-1681-3219, 186-0128-8426

Venue: Aohu Art Village, Guanlan, Longhua District (龙华区观澜鳌湖艺术村)

Metro: Line 4 to Niuhu Station (牛湖站), Exit B