Linyi craftswoman fires up ceramic tradition

Hou Qingxiang, a ceramic hand-painting craftswoman from Luozhuang district, Linyi, has dedicated 26 years to refining her skills and helping traditional ceramic craftsmanship contribute to industry upgrades.

Hou began studying ceramic painting at Shandong University of Arts at the age of 17. After graduating, she joined Shandong Silver Phoenix Co Ltd, spending 10 years on the production front line. In 2011, she transitioned to the company's technology R&D center, focusing on hand-painted ceramics.

Her works have won three national gold awards, nine national silver awards, five provincial gold awards, and seven provincial silver awards. She is recognized as a national technical expert in China's ceramics industry and holds titles such as Qilu women artisan and Yimeng artisan.

For Hou, ceramic painting goes beyond mere replication; it represents an intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from Yimeng's landscape, folk customs, and red culture, she transforms porcelain into a cultural medium with regional identity.

Hou has also trained over 20 young ceramic painters through master-apprentice programs and hands-on classes, many of whom have become technical backbones and won prizes in provincial and municipal competitions.

Working with her team, Hou has helped create state banquet porcelain, diplomatic gift porcelain, and Yimeng-themed cultural and creative ceramic products. Her efforts support the transition of Luozhuang ceramics from traditional manufacturing toward cultural tourism, intelligent production, and higher-quality growth.

Hou Qingxiang works on a hand-painted ceramic piece in Luozhuang district, Linyi. [Photo/Linyi Daily]

Editor：韩蒙蒙