ZHOU Yixin ^{1, 2}, LV Tangjun ^{3, 4}

(1.Shunde Polytechnic, Shunde, Guangdong 528333; 2. Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074; 3. Donghua University, Shanghai 200051; 4. Dongyu Design Studio)

Abstract: Shiwan kiln, a renowned folk kiln in China, had suffered negligence and misunderstanding in Chinese ceramic history and its representative position as "China Pottery producer" was belittled at the same time. Shiwan pottery traces back to the Neolithic age and reached the peak in Ming and Qing Dynasties. Culturally, Shiwan kiln has nine characteristics which can be summarized as follows: having a long history and extensive influence; fostering strengths and circumventing weakness;exploring original ways; assimilating the quintessence and discarding dregs; excelling at imitation and creation; deriving from life but going beyond life; endowed excellence by magic and rendered elegance by simplicity; poetic expression in treasure of art; embodying the character of Lingnan culture and the local feature of Guangdong region; masters coming forth continuously, carrying its heritage endlessly forward; skilled at craft but unconcerned about theory.The difference between official kiln and folk kiln lies in taste rather than art. Official kiln caters exclusively to the taste of the ruling class while the folk kiln aims to provide the pleasure of life to be enjoyed by common people.Simplicity makes pottery while delicateness makes porcelain. Therefore, a comparison is unable to be made between them. Shiwan kiln stands out from the famous kilns in China. The articles, shaped with common pottery clay, exceed the achievement of numerous famed kilns. They reflect Lingnan culture and succeed in pushing Chinese pottery to a summit.

Key words: folk kiln; Shiwan Kiln; culture; pottery; pottery sculpture