Colorful butterflies flirting around flowers, a variety of gestures and expressions on peopleˇ¦s faces, singing birds standing on the branches of trees, bright peonies blossomingˇKthese are the common themes of Guang Cai. Guang Cai, also called Guangdong Porcelain.
This porcelain was invented during the Qing Dynasty (about 1700) and has a history of over 300 years. It is famous for its beauty, lush patterns and flowers. An ordinary porcelain artist usually manufactures a product after careful consideration and planning. But Yu Peixi, a professional Guangdong Porcelain artist, can make products straight from basic ideas.
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Uncle Pei |
Mr. Yu is dearly referred to as Uncle Pei. He has been making Guangdong Porcelain for more than 60 years. He said that, he became a porcelain artist involuntarily. Uncle Pei came to Guangzhou from his home town Taishan when he was 16 years old. Once he went to his uncleˇ¦s Guangdong factory. His uncle was teaching apprentices how to produce porcelain. He thought it looked quite easy and drew a sketch himself. Surprisingly, he was endorsed by his uncle immediately. From then on, Mr. Yu has been active in the production of Guangdong Porcelain. In 1956, Uncle Yu came back to Guangzhou from Hong Kong to found a factory of Guangdong Porcelain production. He was only 27 at the time, and has been teaching apprentices since he began.
Some people think Uncle Yu is mysterious. One of his apprentices told us that, before porcelain is made, a research project takes place for 2-3 weeks and painting must be drawn onto the china first. What about Uncle Yu? In this case, porcelain can be painted in 10 minutes, and Uncle Yu said that, he was never unsatisfied with his work. Uncle Yu may be a bit mysterious, but his talent in Guangdong Porcelain manufacturing is without question.
In more than 60 years, Uncle Yu has taught over 500 apprentices. Many of them have become famous artists themselves. He never thinks about profit and fame, never cares about how much his works are sold for or where they go to. Uncle Yu is only interested in working from his heart.
(By Luna Yang and Alan Devey)
