True replicas: Throwing replicas

In Jingdezhen the porcelain clay is shaped by throwing on a wheel. That’s how they did it ages ago and how they still do it, nothing changed. The well kneaded clay is thrown hard onto the centre of the bat. Like a ballet the craftsman in now forming the clay into a bowl. Ones the wheel was made spinning by turning a long stick, now electric wheels are used. This craftsman I visited made me one Ming bowl in one cigarette, including the calculations compensating for the shrinkage of the clay after firering. Looking at the pictures of the original and with thousands of similar bowls in 'the memory of his hands' he shaped my replicas in know time. History and heritage are so alive here it sometimes almost make me cry...and here they don't care, its just what they do...

 

True replicas: Ye, the model- and mould maker

In Jingdezhen there are almost endless different neighborhoods specialized in different steps in the process of making ceramics. From clay refining to glaze mixing and from throwing pots in all sizes and shapes to carving incredible detailed decorations.  This process of porcelain making and all its steps are portrayed in the Museum of the Imperial Kiln site in the city. Today I was in Sculpture factory, one of these areas visiting Ye. He is modeling with and after my 3D prints, thus repairing the fractures and missing pieces. This resulted in a series of slibcasting moulds in plaster for porcelain casting. 

True Replicas: just arived in Jingdezhen

I Just arrived in Jingdezhen, the world capital of porcelain. The city in South China where lays the origin of this magical material, that became so wanted all over the world. I am invited by Museum Prinsenhof in Delft to develop work for the exhibition at this museum about Prcelain from the emperial kilns. I wil work on this project together with artist and sculptor Hans van Bentem and designer David Derksen. The first impression of the city is overwelming: porcelain is everywhere!

 

Discovered in Delft, a collection of cups on show in Museum Prinsenhof Delft

The first edition of Smart replicas, Discovered in Delft, a collection of cups is part of the newly opened Museum Prinsenhof Delft. The four porcelain cups and the design process are on display in the section: The future of ceramics.

The Museum has been opened by King Willem Alexander on may 23th and is now open for those interested in Delft, ceramics, innovation and national history.

about Discovered in Delft, a collection of cups: www.maaikerrozenburg.nl
visit Museum Prinsenhof Delft: http://prinsenhof-delft.nl/

17th century Nodular cup

 

Discoverd in Delft, a collection of cups