Ceramics Guide for Resident Artists

Planning your stay? Check out our Residency Guide!

01.

CLAY

There are several clay supply shops in Jingdezhen within walking distance, with the nearest ones being 50 meters from the studio.

Local Porcelain Clay

Porcelain clay in Jingdezhen is graded based on whiteness, such as jade clay, super white, and medium white. It is commonly used for slip casting and throwing but is less frequently used for hand-building due to its low plasticity.

Slip: Super white and medium white slip can be purchased at nearby slip-casting studios or clay shops.

Price: 2-4 rmb per kilogram.

Local Stoneware Clay

Stoneware clay in Jingdezhen comes in various colors and textures. The clays most suitable for hand-building include sagger clay, zisha (purple) clay, No. 8 firefly clay, No. 2 firefly clay, large pot clay (available at PWS Toolshop), and Yixing white clay.

Some of these clays can withstand high temperatures and be fired in gas kilns, while most can be fired in mid-temperature electric kilns.

Imported Clay

Imported clay is labeled with different firing temperatures, and some of them cannot be fired in a high-temperature gas kiln, and are available at the PWS Tool Shop.

02.

GLAZE

High Temperature Glaze

Most glaze in Jingdezhen are made for 1280–1310°C (Δ9-10) gas reduction and/or oxidation firing, such as the traditional Lang Hong (also called ox-blood) and Celadon.

Mid Temperature Glaze

The firing temperature range is 1180–1240 degrees (Δ5-6); fired in an oxidizing atmosphere electric kiln.

03.

OTHER CERAMIC MATERIALS

Greenware / Bisqueware

Several greenware/bisque ware studios offer a variety of functional wares, including teacups, tea sets, tableware, vases in various sizes, and decorative ornaments. You can purchase these items and decorate them yourself.

Price: 5 yuan per small teacup. Hand-made greenware is generally more expensive than mold-made pieces.

Underglaze

In Jingdezhen, underglazes are available from both local and imported brands, with a particularly wide variety of cobalt blue options. They typically come in either powder form or as a ready-to-use mixture. Firing temperatures may vary.

Overglaze

Jingdezhen’s characteristic overglaze colors come in powder form and need to be ground manually and mixed with an oil-based medium. The firing temperature is generally between 780–800°C.

04.

KILNS

Studio Electric Kilns

You can reserve the electric kilns at the International Residency or Education Center. There are a total of seven electric kilns of various sizes, including two in the International Residency Studio. The maximum firing temperature is 1260°C.

Price: The cost is calculated by multiplying electricity consumption by 2, plus the kiln fee.

Smaller Kiln: Diameter 42 cm, height 42 cm. Bisque firing approx. 100 yuan; medium-temperature firing approx. 160 yuan.

Bigger Kiln Diameter 65 cm, height 53 cm. Bisque firing approx. 150 yuan; medium-temperature firing approx. 260 yuan.

Public Electric Kilns

You must reserve the entire kiln, and the price is relatively high. The firing temperature is approximately 1220°C.

Price: Bisque firing approx. 200 yuan; mid-temperature glaze firing approx. 500 yuan for a 0.4 m² kiln.

Public Low Temperature Kiln

This kiln can be used for firing gold luster, overglaze pigments, overglaze decal paper, and low-temperature glazes. The firing temperature is around 800°C.

Price: Charges are based on the number of pieces. The price is typically 1/3 to 2/3 of the cost of using public gas kilns.
• 250–350 ml mug: 2 RMB
• 20 cm vase: 10 RMB (estimated; prices may vary)

Public Gas Kilns

There are four public gas kilns at the Sculpture Factory, available for booking by all ceramic makers. All of them are shuttle kilns, each sized around 2–4 m³. The firing temperature ranges from 1280°C to 1300°C, and the firing frequency is about 2–3 times a week. The firing generally lasts at least 24 hours; if firing begins in the morning, the kiln can typically be unloaded by noon the following day. You must bring your ready-to-fire pieces to the kiln room one day before firing starts, so the kiln master has enough time to load the kiln.

Important Note

If your piece is particularly fine or fragile, or has special firing requirements, you must inform the kiln master in advance.
If you are using a running glaze, your work must be placed on top of an alumina oxide plate (waste slab). Otherwise, you will be responsible for compensating any damage caused by the glaze dripping onto the kiln shelf.
You should schedule your final firing 5–7 days before your last day at the studio to allow enough time for packaging and clean-up.

STUDIOS AROUND THE SCULPTURE FACTORY

Distance to residency: within 500 meters

PWS Tool Shop

Our shop sells a variety of imported and local pottery tools, including wheel-throwing tools, carving tools, glazes, and even kilns. Brands include Mudtools, Xiem, Dirty Girls Tools, Shimpo, and more.

Plaster Molds

Mold makers can create plaster molds using prepared mold masters. Depending on the subsequent production methods, these molds are categorized into press molds and slip casting molds. The cost is based on the complexity of the mold and the number of pieces produced. Generally, the price for medium and small-sized molds ranges from 60 to 200 yuan, with a production time of 1 to 3 days.

Plaster Model

Provide the drawings, and the model maker can create models based on them. If you need wooden models, you can arrange for a carpenter to make them for you.

3D Printing

The 3D printing studio can provide modeling services based on hand-drawn sketches and then proceed with 3D printing. Alternatively, you can provide your own 3D models for printing. Modeling fees will be charged separately, depending on the complexity of the model, while 3D printing fees are calculated based on the materials used and the time required.

CNC Engraving

CNC can process plaster molds. The CNC operator will first create a model based on the sketch and then shape it using CNC engraving. CNC engraving is suitable for creating delicate and precise shapes. Modeling costs are charged separately from the machine engraving, and the production period is approximately 1 to 3 days.

Slip Casting

You can provide your own slip casting molds, and the slip caster will assist with the casting. Alternatively, you can purchase the slip on-site. The commonly used slips are medium white slip and super white slip. If you need other specific slips, please inquire in advance or bring your own. If you need to further process the slip-casted piece, you can ask the slip caster to help keep it moist for subsequent joining or shape adjustments.

Reference Price: 10 yuan per mug.

Press Mold

Provide the mold for pressing and the clay you wish to use, and the press molder will create it using the press mold technique. You can choose to have the press molder come to the studio and work on-site, or have the mold made in their studio.

Throwing

Our experienced potters can come to the studio to throw or trim clay to your specific form, using the clay of your choice. Please make an appointment 1 to 3 days in advance.

Glazing

There are glaze technicians in the Sculpture Factory area who can provide on-site glazing services. Generally, it is necessary to make a booking at least one day in advance.

Reference Price: 3 yuan per cup.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)

PVD is a coating process for fired ceramic works, with a firing temperature ranging from 300 to 400 degrees Celsius. Four colors are available for selection: gold, silver, light color, and dark color. Among these, the light color is semi-transparent, allowing the glaze color beneath to be visible after coating. The other three colors will cover the underlying glaze color. The effect will vary depending on whether the glaze is glossy or matte, even if the same color is applied. Each color is fired separately, so please reserve 3 to 7 days for the PVD process to achieve the desired color.

Flower Sculpting

This is one of the signature techniques of the Sculpture Factory. Skilled flower sculptors can help shape various flowers, plants, and insects. Please provide photos for reference.

STUDIOS OUTSIDE THE SCULPTURE FACTORY

Distance to residency: 500m–5km

Old Factory Glaze Street

Old Factory Glaze Street is home to many well-known glaze stores, such as Huacai Glaze Store and Paint Town, along with numerous independent glaze shops. Here, you can find various types of glazes, including glossy, matte, crackle, and crystalline glazes. Prices vary, with transparent glaze starting at 4 yuan per kilogram and metallic glazes reaching up to 40 yuan per kilogram. The Old Factory is located 1 kilometer west of the Sculpture Factory.

Old Factory Street Tools Store

These stores offer a variety of local tools for pottery making, including wheel-throwing and trimming tools, glazing tools, protective gear, brushes, pyrometric cones, wareboards, and much more. Located 1 kilometer west of the Sculpture Porcelain Factory.

Old Factory Bisqueware

Many bisqueware shops or studios around here provide bisqueware/greenware of various shapes, such as tea sets, tableware, vases of various sizes and decorative ornaments. You can buy them directly and then paint and glaze them yourself.

Price: 5 yuan for a small tea cup. The price of handmade bisquewares will be higher than that of slip casted or machine-formed ones. Located 1 km west of the Sculpture Porcelain Factory.

Laoyatan Tile Factory

Laoyatan Tile Factory is home to several porcelain tile manufacturers that offer white or unglazed porcelain tiles in various sizes, as well as customized options. The studio provides space for artists to paint, glaze, and fire their tiles. Located 4 kilometers from the Sculpture Porcelain Factory.

Underglaze and Overglaze Decals

There are shops selling underglaze and overglaze decals, where you can purchase decal paper to apply onto bisqueware, greenware, or white porcelain.
A decal shop would offer various ready-made underglaze decals in blue and white, red, green, black, and other colors. Customized decals are also available.

Approx. 5–9 yuan per sheet.

One street features several overglaze decal shops, mainly offering tableware patterns and traditional designs.

Ma’An Shan Brush Street

Brush shops on Ma’anshan Brush Street offer high-quality brushes and stationery suitable for calligraphy, painting, underglaze and overglaze painting. They provide shading brushes for blue and white underglaze drawing, outliners, brushes for overglaze painting, as well as frankincense oil and camphor oil for preparing overglaze colorants.

Li Cun Hardware Tools

Li Cun Hardware Tools offers a variety of tools for grinding ceramics, including diamond drills and drill bits in various shapes. Located about 3 kilometers from the Sculpture Factory.

San Lei Gold Luster and Overglaze Pigments

Sanlei offers a variety of lusters, including gold powder, gold paste, silver paste, and overglaze pigments. Prices fluctuate with the market rates for gold and silver. Reference price: 700 yuan for 10g of 10% gold water for porcelain (price as of October 2024). Located in the Sanlei Chemical Factory, 2 kilometers from the Sculpture Factory.

PACKAGING AND SHIPPING

Packaging

During the last week of the residency, artists are responsible for packaging their own works, molds, tools, and other items. If you need assistance, you can request help from a packaging assistant.

Reference Price: 30–40 yuan per hour.

Customized Brocade Box

The brocade box is meticulously crafted, featuring luxurious fabrics such as silk or brocade on the outside, with a sponge lining on the inside. It offers high-end packaging for holding your works. If you require a customized brocade box, please allow at least one week to ten days for the factory to produce it. The price is higher than that of standard packaging.

International Express, Custom Wooden Crates for Shipping

Artists must complete their package shipments one day before departing Jingdezhen. Shipping companies offer door-to-door delivery services, with prices determined by weight, volume, and destination. Custom wooden crates are required for shipping, and you must arrange for a carpenter to visit the studio 5–7 days in advance to measure the items to be transported and create the wooden crates.

China Post International Parcel

International mail parcels must be shipped in China Post’s exclusive cartons, which are available in five sizes. The rates vary depending on the destination country and chosen transportation method, which include air transportation, combined air and land transportation, and land and water transportation. Each carton has a 1kg starting fee, with additional weight charges for every extra 1kg.

Domestic Shipping

There are many express and logistics service providers to choose from. Generally, logistics is available for shipments above 20kg. Reasonable prices and good delivery time.

VISITS AND MARKETS

PWS Creative Market

Market is open every Saturday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with free admission for residency artists. Located at Shuangfeng Qiao, 12 kilometers from the Sculpture Porcelain Factory.

Studio/Factory Visits

The studio can arrange visits to nearby specialty factories and studios, including Jingdezhen’s Big Pot Factory, Rice Bowl Factory, and others. The visit is free of charge, but transportation costs are shared among the participating artists. Each visit typically lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours.

China Ceramic Museum

The museum showcases the history of Chinese ceramics in chronological order. You can visit the China Ceramic Museum on your own, and admission is free. Located 9 kilometers away from the Sculpture Porcelain Factory.

Shards Market

The antique market is open every Monday morning from 7:00 to 12:00, with stalls selling antiques and handicrafts both on the street and in shops. Located 5 kilometers away from the Sculpture Porcelain Factory.