Photo shows Evan Kail admires Dehua ceramics in Dehua County, Quanzhou City in southeast China's Fujian Province. (Source: Dehua Converged Media Center)
BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- "I'm very honored to have the opportunity to witness the production process of Dehua porcelain. This has deepened my understanding of Chinese culture," said Evan Kail, an American donor of a Japanese war crime photo album, during his hands-on ceramic experience on March 19 in Dehua County, southeast China's Fujian Province.
In 2022, Kail donated a photobook documenting the atrocities committed by Japanese invaders in China during World War II. In recognition of his contribution, he was presented with a Dehua porcelain artwork designated as a national gift. Later, he showcased this gift at China Media Group's 2025 Spring Festival Gala, introducing its elegance to millions.
During his recent visit to Dehua, the birthplace of plain white porcelain famously dubbed "Blanc de Chine" or white from China, Kail delved deep into ceramic heritage. "Dehua white ceramics are not just art. They are bridges for cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world," he remarked.
Xie Jinhua, creator of the porcelain gift Kail received, stated that this artwork exemplifies Dehua porcelain-making techniques. He moved on to note that the pure white clays with jade-like glaze embody China's traditional culture, conveying good wishes to friends across the world.
Historically, Dehua porcelain wares were cornerstone exports on the Maritime Silk Road during the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368). Today, they continue the role as cultural exchange emblems, selected as Paris 2024 Olympic Games merchandise and presented as state gifts and mascots for many international events.
As a "World Ceramics City", Dehua now boasts an annual ceramic output value of 66.3 billion yuan (about 9.1 billion U.S. dollars), with over 60 percent of its products shipped to more than 190 countries and regions. The county has taken moves to expand overseas markets, including establishing seven white porcelain promotion and exhibition centers in places like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Malacca, and organizing international showcases in Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and France among others.
Dehua will keep going global, using its ceramics to build global understanding of China, said Fang Junqin, head of Dehua County.
(Edited by Su Dan with Xinhua Silk Road, sudan@xinhua.org)
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