The art of Longquan celadon has a history of more than 1,700 years, featuring unique techniques in material selection, glaze preparation, shaping, and kiln temperature control. The finished products embody China's classical aesthetic.

Xu Chaoxing is a national-level inheritor of the traditional firing technology of Longquan, which is a part of the intangible cultural heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Xu began learning the craft at the age of 13. Working with other master craftsmen, he helped recover nearly lost glaze formulas for Longquan celadon.

Photo shows Geyao, or the elder brother ware. (Photo/Xinhua)

Xu innovatively produced a celadon porcelain work that blends the styles of "elder brother" celadon, which has a black finish with a crackle effect, and the "younger brother" variety that has a thick, lavender-grey and plum-green finish.

Longquan celadon has been widely recognized and appreciated worldwide. The French have long had a fondness for celadon, and the connection between Longquan celadon and France dates back to the 14th century when two fragments of Longquan celadon were found in the garden of the Pope's Palace in Avignon.

In 2024, during the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, two of Xu's works were exhibited at the China Arts Exhibition in Paris. The pieces conveyed the subtle, natural Chinese aesthetic and were warmly praised by local audiences.

Xu explained that in order to take celadon to the world, it needs continuous innovation and a spiritual inheritance, so that the condensed Chinese story can be recognized by more people.