Ancient alchemy of earth and fire

Museum treasures reveal how generations have turned simple clay into vessels that outlive their creators, Lin Qi reports.

It has been some 1,800 years since ceramic production began to flourish in Longquan, Zhejiang province, a city nestled amid tranquil mountains.

Centuries of experience have refined the craft, while technological advances have transformed the tools and techniques.

Yet ceramists today share a feeling familiar to their predecessors: as their creations fire in the kiln, anticipation mingles with nervousness, and their minds race with possibilities about what will emerge.

"When the work is done, I would, instead, feel relieved, accepting the result it is destined to be," said Ji Zimei. "I think what truly matters is personal growth and transformation that come along."