Balancing tradition and modernity: The impact of contemporary design trends on Jingdezhen’s ceramic craftsmanship

Abstract

Jingdezhen, China, is known as the "Porcelain Capital" due to its rich artistic history and traditional ceramic skill. This study examines how modern design trends have affected this craft. Using structured surveys, this quantitative study examines the viewpoints of ceramic industry stakeholders, designers, and artisans in Jingdezhen. The study delves into the relationship between contemporary design, technology, and traditional ceramic methods, exploring the obstacles presented by changing customer tastes, more dependence on digital resources, and international market trends. While new technology and minimalist aesthetics promote innovation and commercial growth, the results show that there is a double-edged sword to the effect of modern design: they endanger the survival of traditional, labor-intensive techniques that are more complex and elaborate. Artisans are under pressure to change or face the oblivion of time-honored techniques as younger generations gravitate toward practical, modern designs. Maintaining the cultural and economic health of Jingdezhen's ceramic sector requires institutional support and educational programs that integrate technology skills with traditional knowledge, according to the report. A number of tactics, including providing incentives for cultural heritage preservation and incorporating traditional motifs with modern designs, are proposed as ways to strike a balance between modernity and tradition, according to the research. To ensure its history remains intact in the face of an ever-evolving artistic world, Jingdezhen must face these difficulties head-on if it is to preserve its global importance and distinctive skill.