After a couple of days in Jianshui working on some custom orders, we decided to visit Hua Ning, a place renowned for its glazed pottery. Traveling by public transport—trains and buses—it took a bit of time and a few transfers to finally reach the edge of Huaning town. The main attraction turned out to be essentially one street lined with a handful of shops, some operated by larger companies, others by individual potters. Since it was close to Chinese New Year, many of the shops were closed, with owners having gone elsewhere to spend the holiday weeks.
The clay used for local pottery is mined right within the protected area and serves as the primary raw material. It can be used pure or blended with other materials, but clay always makes up more than 80% of the mixture, supplemented by rocks and other additives. Every producer of these clay mixtures must hold a certificate and receive approval from the health and food safety department, as mandated by local government regulations. The same strict standards apply to the final products, particularly regarding the glazing used on the teaware.
The glazing materials are sourced from natural raw materials within the protected area, consisting of quartz sand (≤ 60%), firewood ash (≤ 20%), limestone (calcite) (≤ 15%), clay (≤ 15%), with additional components added as required to achieve specific glaze colors. The water used in pottery production maintains a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5, meeting production standards.
The primary chemical composition of Huaning clay includes silica (SiO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), along with minor trace elements. Clay mixtures are formulated based on the specific technical requirements for different ceramic products. Glaze application techniques include brushing, pouring, dipping, and spraying to create the desired surface finish on the pottery base.
While the signature style of Huaning pottery is characterized by large vases with a distinctive green glaze, a variety of other styles and colors are also produced. Glazes are categorized into two main types: open (porous surface) and non-open (sealed surface).
Huaning pottery typically undergoes a two-phase firing process. The first phase, known as blanking, involves firing at temperatures ranging from 800℃ to 980℃. The second phase encompasses glazing and a higher-temperature firing, usually between 1160℃ and 1300℃, depending on the properties of the clay, glaze, and intended use of the finished product. Firing duration varies significantly by kiln type, with times ranging from as short as 10 hours to as long as 168 hours.
Tea ware from Huaning is produced in very limited quantities. As we later discovered, only a few masters have acquired the skills to craft teapots or gaiwans comparable to those made in Jing De Zhen, as traditional Huaning pottery primarily focuses on vases. Nonetheless, we were able to select some unique and intriguing pieces, which are now available on our website. If these prove successful, we will certainly return for more! Huaning Pottery
Yuxi Pottery
On the way back to Kunming, we made a stop in Yuxi, a town once renowned for its blue-and-white pottery. This pottery mainly includes kitchenware such as plates and bowls, but also extends to teaware like cups and gaiwans. The craft follows the traditional Chinese technique of painting intricate designs using cobalt blue pigment on a pristine white porcelain background. These designs often showcase nature-inspired motifs—flowers, birds, and landscapes—alongside classic Chinese symbols and patterns, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
At the edge of the city, there once stood a porcelain ware factory, but it was shut down by the late 1990s. Most of the workers moved on and found alternative ways to make a living, but some found themselves stuck, unable to transition easily to other work. A few of these individuals managed to open their own studios or even larger companies—provided they had the financial means to invest—carrying on the craft in new, entrepreneurial ways.
This transition is clearly reflected in one of the family businesses we visited.
While Yuxi’s blue and white porcelain from Yunnan has garnered recognition and appreciation, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges involved in passing down any artistic tradition. Market shifts, changing tastes, and the dwindling availability of skilled artisans all affect the survival of specific ceramic styles. Take, for example, a young potter we met—fifth-generation in a long line of master producers. He is particularly passionate about crafting cups, drawing inspiration from styles of various dynasties while also experimenting with contemporary designs. Since our shop is currently overflowing with cups, we passed on those, but his gaiwans stood out as rather intriguing.
What sets this wood-fired pottery apart is not just the unique shapes, but also the very concept of the clay itself. The gaiwan walls are strikingly thin, making the overall piece incredibly lightweight. Additionally, smaller volume sizes are available—something we particularly appreciate and rarely find with other pottery makers like those in Jianshui or Huaning, where such sizes usually require special orders.
We’ve brought a few pieces into our shop, and now we’re eager to see how they resonate with our customers. Yuxi Pottery