Foreign Jing Piao Gallery: A New Home for International Ceramic Artists in Jingdezhen

May 30, 2026 marked an exciting milestone for the international ceramic community in Jingdezhen, China. On this day, a new gallery called Foreign Jing Piao Gallery officially opened its doors in Ceramic Expo City, one of Jingdezhen’s growing cultural and creative districts.

I was honored to attend the opening ceremony and witness the launch of a space dedicated to celebrating the work of international ceramic artists who have chosen Jingdezhen as their creative home.

What Does “Jing Piao” Mean?

In Chinese, the term “Jing Piao” (景漂) refers to people who have moved to Jingdezhen from other places in pursuit of artistic and creative opportunities. Over time, the word has become closely associated with artists, designers, and craftspeople who have settled in the city to develop their careers.

The name Foreign Jing Piao Gallery reflects a special group of international artists who have traveled from around the world to live, work, and create in Jingdezhen.

Why Jingdezhen Attracts Artists from Around the World

Long before international ceramic residencies became widely known, artists from different countries were already making their way to Jingdezhen.

Many arrived searching for something increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: a complete ecosystem dedicated to ceramic art.

Unlike many modern cities, Jingdezhen offers a highly specialized network of craftspeople, workshops, suppliers, and production facilities. Whether an artist focuses on wheel throwing, hand-building, sculpture, painting, carving, glaze development, or contemporary visual art, they can find the resources and expertise needed to support their creative practice.

For many international artists, the attraction is not only the city’s thousand-year ceramic history but also its living tradition. Ceramic production is still deeply woven into daily life, allowing artists to learn directly from experienced craftspeople while developing their own artistic voice.

More Than a Place to Work

For many early foreign artists who arrived in Jingdezhen before 2015, the city became much more than a workplace.

Some came for a short residency and ended up staying for years. Others built studios, established businesses, and became active members of the local creative community. Some even found life partners, started families, and made China their permanent home.

Over the years, these artists have helped shape a unique international community that continues to grow and evolve.

A Gallery Built by Artists

Foreign Jing Piao Gallery was founded by Jeremy Vaughan and his wife and co-founder Shu Yue.

The gallery occupies approximately 200 square meters and serves as both an exhibition space and a cultural meeting point for artists.

At its opening exhibition, works by 16 artists from different countries were presented, showcasing a wide variety of artistic styles, techniques, and cultural influences.

Creating Connections Through Art

The gallery’s mission goes beyond displaying artwork.

It aims to provide a platform where artists from different cultural backgrounds can meet, exchange ideas, build friendships, and support one another’s professional development.

For artists who are new to Jingdezhen, navigating the local ceramic industry can be challenging. A space like Foreign Jing Piao Gallery can serve as an important bridge, helping artists access information, connect with resources, and become part of the broader creative community.

At the same time, the gallery encourages dialogue between traditional ceramic practices and contemporary artistic experimentation, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Looking Toward the Future

The founders believe that Jingdezhen’s art scene is strongest when it embraces diverse voices while continuing to respect and preserve its rich ceramic heritage.

Their vision is to create an open, welcoming, and supportive environment where artists can focus on meaningful creative work rather than chasing trends or short-term attention.

By bringing independent artists together, the gallery hopes to foster a stronger sense of community and help international creators find not only professional opportunities but also a deeper sense of belonging.

Final Thoughts

The opening of Foreign Jing Piao Gallery represents another important step in the continuing evolution of Jingdezhen as a global center for ceramic art.

As more artists from around the world choose to live and work here, spaces like this help strengthen the connections between cultures, traditions, and creative ideas.

If you are interested in learning more about the lives of international artists in Jingdezhen, their ceramic journeys, and the opportunities available in China’s Porcelain Capital, please follow my channel and stay connected.

I look forward to sharing more stories from Jingdezhen with you in the future.

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About the Author

My name is Li Sheng. I am a documentary storyteller, ceramic community organizer, and video producer based in Jingdezhen, China. Through my work, I share stories about ceramics, artists, cultural exchange, and creative life in the world’s porcelain capital.