The Art of Nie-Diao: Preserving China's Delicate Hand-Sculpted Porcelain Tradition
The Living Art of Jingdezhen Nie-Diao:
A 1700-Year-Old Craft in Modern Homes
A Heritage Recognised by UNESCO
In 2014, UNESCO inscribed Jingdezhen's porcelain-making techniques—including the exquisite nie-diao (捏雕, hand-pinched sculpting)—on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This ancient craft, dating back to China's Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), transforms humble clay into delicate, three-dimensional artworks. Unlike mass-produced ceramics, every nie-diao piece carries the fingerprints of its maker—a literal touch of humanity frozen in time.
The Artistry Behind Nie-Diao
Nie-diao stands apart for its:
Traditional motifs include lotuses (symbolising purity) and peonies (prosperity), often inspired by Ming Dynasty imperial designs.
Why Nie-Diao is at Risk
Fewer than 20 master artisans remain in Jingdezhen practising nie-diao at its highest level. The craft faces:
A single vase can take 3 months to complete.
Cheap imitations flood markets, undercutting true handwork.
Modern careers lure apprentices away.
Our Mission: Bridging Ancient Craft & Modern Life
We're reimagining nie-diao for contemporary homes through functional art like incense holders sculpted with Shan Hai Jing (《山海经》) mythical creatures, such as the Qilin—a celestial deer that "breathes" incense smoke.