Longquan celadon replica exhibition opens in Lishui

Replica Longquan celadon pieces on display. [Photo/Tide News]

An exhibition featuring 100 replica celadon pieces is underway in Longquan, a county-level city in Lishui, Zhejiang province, until March 3, offering visitors a comprehensive view of celadon heritage, which is typically scattered across global collections.

The displayed items are replicas of ancient celadon collections from 29 cultural institutions worldwide, tracing the historical development of Longquan ware from the Five Dynasties (907-960) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The exhibition's project team accurately replicated pieces based on historical references, using nine Song Dynasty (960-1279) paintings to authentically recreate original forms, glazes, and usage contexts.

Longquan celadon, originating in the Three Kingdoms (220-280) and flourishing during the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368), is the first ceramic tradition inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list and serves as a cultural ambassador along the Maritime Silk Road.

In October 2024, Longquan launched a three-year project to reproduce 300 classic pieces, employing a collaborative model of master craftsmen to tackle technical challenges in recreating authentic glazes, forms, and artistic essence.

The initiative has also engaged artisans of all ages, from national inheritors to young artisans, who are studying traditional techniques to maintain cultural continuity.