Contemporary dialogue

The drive to promote Dehua's artistic profile globally has spurred many local porcelain artists to innovate.

With almost three decades of experience in creating porcelain sculptures, Peng Chengxiong has chosen to converse with the world using the most fundamental Chinese cultural symbol — Chinese characters.

His signature work is a reconstructed fu (fortune or blessing), a character traditionally displayed in Chinese homes during Chinese New Year, which he reimagined by using punctuation marks and parentheses to form its shape.

"I wanted to explore its artistic possibilities beyond calligraphy and seal carving," Peng says.

It thrills him to see that this porcelain fu has become a cherished emblem of identity and connection for Chinese communities overseas.

In 2023, more than 3,000 pieces were presented at the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in Thailand.

His latest creation, Maritime Silk Road Fu, incorporates the three iconic commodities of the ancient trade route — tea, silk, and porcelain — into the character's form.

"I hope it can continue its journey around the world, acting as a bridge for exchange," Peng says.