The Jurors took a break after deliberations from the GICB 2019 Ceramic Biennale and were toured through the newly developed Ye Village. The location is a mecca for local ceramic artists who have settled in this region providing spacious studios, living spaces, galleries and museum to support the clay community near Icheon.
The Blanc de Chine international competition celebrated the rich history of porcelain by attracting artists who use this rare and difficult clay with works that dazzled and amazed the jury. The competition is meant to honor the centuries old Dehua Porcelain that was made famous for its maritime silk road worldwide distribution. It was known as “ivory white,” or “milk white,” and was referred to in Europe as Blanc de Chine. The artists selected as finalists represented work with an array of illusions, metaphors and sensitivities along with skillful and astonishing handling of porcelain. They made use of its unique ability to be made paper thin and translucent or super fine to record the most detailed nuance of textures.
The exhibition opened in Beijing and then 6 months later, opened at the Massena Museum in Nice, France where the prize-winning artists assembled at the Nice Opera House for a stunning awards ceremony that included opera soloists, choir and full orchestra.
Blanc de Chine Jury
Blanc de Chine Judy
Blanc de Chine Forum
Blanc de Chine in Nice Judy announcing awards
BDC jury at Concert Judy next to Mao Zedongs's Daughter
Blanc de Chine Celebration
Blanc de Chine, prize winner ceremony Messina Museum Nice, France 2019
Blance de Chine Prize Winner Messina Museum 2018
Guests attending the 2019 International Ceramic Art Forum observe an Artisan from Dehua County repair ceramic products, 2019. [Photo Xinhua]