Representatives from Fujian Province, the United Nations, and other countries convened at the United Nations Headquarters for the unveiling of the "Blanc de Chine – Porcelain from Dehua" event last week. This initiative was launched by Xinhua News Agency.
The event transpired on March 15, showcasing to visitors the craftsmanship behind these white porcelain pieces. According to a news release dated March 15, Fang Junquin, governor of Dehua County in Fujian Province, extended an invitation to American industry and commerce representatives to visit Dehua. The aim is to explore potential collaborations with the province and foster cultural exchanges.
The "Blanc de Chine – Porcelain from Dehua" is not merely a promotional event but also an exhibition that will display a total of 105 pieces of Dehua porcelain throughout its duration. As per a press release from Xinhua Silk Road on March 15, this international exhibition was inaugurated in 2023 and is set to visit more than 20 countries and regions over the next five years.
United Nations personnel discussed various topics during the event, including the significance of cultural and foreign exchanges. Daniel del Valle Blanco, ambassador and permanent observer of the International Youth Organization (OIJ) to the United Nations, underscored this importance while expressing his congratulations on the United Nations' display of Dehua porcelain. According to another press release from Xinhua Silk Road dated March 15, Asim Sharma lauded the porcelain pieces and expressed gratitude towards Junquin and Dehua County for their invitation.
Dehua County spans approximately 1386.901 square miles within Fujian Province. It houses around 341,000 residents across its 18 townships and 214 administrative villages as per enquanzhou.com. The county exports more than 80% of its ceramics to nearly 200 countries and regions worldwide. Known as the birthplace of China's ceramic culture, Dehua County is recognized as one of the top three ancient porcelain cities.
The white china from Dehua resembles milk jelly, according to the Britannica entry on Dehua porcelain. Most examples of this porcelain are attributed to the Ming Dynasty, with figures of Buddhist deities and stoves with molded reliefs being among the most common forms.