The China Ceramic Museum in Jingdezhen (景德镇中国陶瓷博物馆) is one of the earliest and most significant ceramic art museums established in the People’s Republic of China, opening its doors in January 1954. Covering an area of over 59,000 square meters, the museum attracts nearly 100,000 visitors annually. It boasts a vast collection of approximately 20,000 ceramic masterpieces from various historical periods, including over 500 national treasures.
The museum’s exhibits are organized into three main sections: Historical Section showcases more than 1,000 ancient ceramics arranged chronologically by dynasty, including fine examples of Tang Dynasty green ware, Song Dynasty celadon, and Ming Dynasty porcelain; New China Section features over 1,500 post-1949 ceramics, categorized by type and style, highlighting the development of Chinese ceramics since the founding of the People’s Republic; Special Exhibition Hall is dedicated to themed exhibitions and displays of works by contemporary ceramic factories, research institutes, and renowned ceramic artists.
The collection includes Qing Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain, Ming Dynasty polychrome and doucai ceramics, and numerous types of Qing Dynasty ceramics, reflecting the rich history and ongoing evolution of Jingdezhen’s ceramic artistry.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of China Ceramic Museum
- Vlog about China Ceramic Museum
- Other Notable Attractions in Jingdezhen
Basic Information
Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
Ticket Price | Free |
Opening Hours | 9.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.30 (9th Junly – 31st August) 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 (1st September – 8th July the next year) |
Telephone Number | 0086-0798-8253701 |
Location and Transportation
The China Ceramic Museum is located at No. 1, Zijing Avenue, Changjiang District, Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province. To reach the museum, take bus routes 23, 901, or 902 and get off at Wuzhong Bus Station (五中公交站). From there, it is a short walk to the museum.
Highlights of China Ceramic Museum
First Exhibition Hall: The First Exhibition Hall is divided into three sections: the Five Dynasties, Song Dynasty, and Yuan Dynasty. The hall is particularly renowned for its exceptional pieces of Song Dynasty shadow blue porcelain and stamped porcelain, as well as Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain and high-temperature colored glaze ceramics.
Second Exhibition Hall: The Second Exhibition Hall focuses primarily on Ming Dynasty imperial kiln wares. This period is noted for its distinctive production and decoration techniques, including blue-and-white porcelain, doucai (a multi-colored overglaze decoration), five-color porcelain, red and green porcelain, and various colored glazes.
Third Exhibition Hall: The Third Exhibition Hall showcases the most brilliant Qing Dynasty ceramics in Jingdezhen’s history. During this period, Jingdezhen’s ceramic techniques incorporated methods from renowned kilns such as Ru, Longquan, and Ge kilns. The blue-and-white decoration techniques were further refined, achieving effects similar to Chinese painting through the use of water-based techniques. High-temperature glaze technologies, including Langyao red, Jun red, and crackle glazes, exemplify advanced firing techniques. The hall also features the development of Famille Rose (粉彩) decoration, which peaked in the late Qing Dynasty and set the stage for Jingdezhen’s modern ceramics to gain prominence on the global stage.
Fourth Exhibition Hall: The Fourth Exhibition Hall focuses on ceramics from the Republic of China period. This era saw a decline in Jingdezhen ceramics due to various historical factors. However, the field of ceramic painting flourished, with notable artists such as the Zhu Shan Eight Friends producing exceptional works.
Fifth Exhibition Hall: The Fifth Exhibition Hall presents modern ceramics from Jingdezhen since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It displays a diverse range of contemporary craft ceramics, reflecting the evolution and innovation in Jingdezhen’s ceramic industry.