At the International Ceramic Studio of Jingdezhen Ceramic University in China, Turkish artist Pelin Dal carefully fires ceramic shards in different glazes before reassembling them into striking new forms, blending Türkiye’s traditional patchwork techniques with the art of ceramics.
“It’s like cultural exchange,” Dal explained. “Each shard retains its own character while contributing to a cohesive and novel whole.”
Her creativity is deeply rooted in childhood memories. Dal’s aunt, a frequent business traveler between Türkiye and China, often brought back exquisite Chinese gifts, including the fine porcelain of Jingdezhen, known as the “porcelain capital” in east China’s Jiangxi Province. These delicate pieces sparked Dal’s imagination, ultimately leading her to study ceramic arts in college and, two years ago, to Jingdezhen itself.
She is now part of a growing international community of artists drawn to this world-renowned porcelain hub. The city encourages global talent through residency programs that cover living expenses, offering artists opportunities to create, exhibit, and engage in cross-cultural dialogue. “The chance to live here, make ceramic works, showcase them, and exchange ideas with international artists is invaluable,” Dal said.
China’s traditions continue to inspire her work. During her first Lunar New Year in China, she was captivated by the dragon dance. That experience inspired one of her signature pieces: a yellow earthenware plate featuring a Chinese dragon surrounded by auspicious clouds at its center, encircled by delicate lilac flowers — beloved symbols in Turkish culture.
“The dragon holds deep meaning for the Chinese,” Dal said. “I wanted to bring it together with flowers that carry beautiful significance in Türkiye.”
This artistic exchange echoes centuries of history. In ancient times, batches of ceramics from Jingdezhen were exported via the Silk Road to Central Asia, West Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Türkiye, located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, shares a lasting connection with Jingdezhen ceramics. “We’ve found Persian inscriptions on Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) ceramics unearthed here in Jingdezhen,” said Du Jianbo, a researcher at the Jingdezhen China Ceramics Museum. “Historical records show that Persian craftsmen even took part in designing, painting, and producing Jingdezhen ceramics.”
Nearly 800 years ago, merchants from the Ottoman Empire traveled along the Silk Road to Jingdezhen, carrying back exquisite blue-and-white porcelain to Türkiye. These treasures graced royal courts and significantly shaped Turkish ceramic culture.
Today, Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace houses the world’s largest collection of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain outside of China, standing as a testament to this enduring cultural bridge.
Now, a new generation of Turkish students, artists, and entrepreneurs has once again journeyed to Jingdezhen, joining a vibrant community locally known as “Jingpiao.” Similar to Beijing’s “Beipiao,” the term refers to those who choose to live, create, and pursue dreams in the ancient porcelain capital.
Dal is currently pursuing her doctoral studies at Jingdezhen Ceramic University. Last winter, she and seven other young Turkish artists organized a porcelain exhibition, showcasing how Jingdezhen’s time-honored ceramic traditions harmonize with diverse international artistic perspectives.
“In Jingdezhen, it doesn’t matter what nationality you are or whether you speak, porcelain is bridges for our minds and hearts. That’s international language.’’ Dal said.