A group of 18 expat students from the Zhejiang Business College learn about traditional pottery-making processes at the museum. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Since its launch on Dec 27 in 2024, the Luo Hongwen Ceramic Art Exhibition at the Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum has attracted visitors from around the world.

Featuring over 100 works by Zhejiang master craftsman Luo Hongwen, the exhibition is divided into three themes: Ancient inspirations, exquisite techniques and creative innovations. They showcase the evolution of Chinese ceramic artistry.

To promote cultural exchanges, the museum recently partnered with the local Zhejiang Business College to organize a hands-on pottery experience for 18 of its international students. The event took place at Luo's studio in the Liangzhu heritage pottery workshop.

Guided by Luo and his apprentice – Hangzhou arts and crafts master Shen Jiajun – the students learned about traditional pottery-making processes, from clay shaping and glazing to kiln firing. Through hands-on activities such as wheel throwing and painting, they gained a firsthand appreciation of the artistry behind Chinese ceramics.

"Each handmade ceramic piece is unique – just like cultural heritage itself. While preserving tradition, we must also innovate," Luo remarked during the exchange.

One student, called Saidahmad, later shared his reflections on social media: "Life is like pottery art. Sometimes it feels like everything is falling apart… but in reality, you're just creating something new," he said.

The exhibition also highlights Luo's contributions to reviving Liangzhu black pottery and celadon glazing techniques. His black pottery pieces are said to capture the raw elegance of Liangzhu artifacts, while his celadon works draw inspiration from the Yue Kiln and Song Dynasty (960-1279) official kilns, achieving a refined, translucent finish.

Visitors can also engage with interactive activities at the exhibition's education zone, including a collectible stamp challenge and making some clay refrigerator magnets. The exhibition will run until April 22.

Some of Luo's works are on show at the exhibition. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]