French art school opens research center in China's 'Porcelain Capital'

An artisan makes an unburned earthenware at a workshop at Jingdezhen, East China's Jiangxi province, June 26, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

A French art school has set up a research center in East China's Jiangxi province, hoping to strengthen exchanges between French ceramic artists and Chinese craftsmen.

ENSA Limoges (Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Art de Limoges) opened a research and testing center at Kudan, a famous workshop in the city of Jingdezhen, China's "Porcelain Capital".

Five ceramic artists -- three holding master's degrees and two researchers -- will study pottery and exchange ideas with Chinese craftsmen.

Jeanne Gailhoustet, director of the school, said it will be a great experience for young French artists to communicate with Chinese companies. They are expected to create new ideas and products at Kudan, she added.

Duan Zhenmin, who runs a shop at Kudan said Jingdezhen's ceramics don't sell well in European markets because the designs are completely different from western styles.

The center will serve as a platform where local craftsmen can learn European designs and marketing methods, Duan said. "Chinese ceramics businesses must also look to the international market, not just the domestic market," he added.

The French city of Limoges, where the school is based, is widely known for its porcelain. It is said to produce more than 50 percent of all porcelain made in France.