BEIJING, Oct. 24 -- China started making ceramics as early as three-and-a-half thousand years ago, and for centuries, its delicate porcelain was the envy of the world. But in recent years, China has lost its dominant position in the ceramics market to Japan, South Korea and Europe as mass production stifled traditional skills. Now, artists are hoping to help revive the Chinese ceramics industry with new skills and modern ideas.

    Chinese artist Gao Zhenyu makes practical ceramics for everyday life instead of art works - anomalous shapes are his leitmotif. People looking for something different pay 5,000 yuan or about 600 U.S. dollars for a fruit plate of his.

    Gao says the Chinese ceramics industry is in a poor state, and he is hoping to save it by exploiting the skills he learnt, not at home, but in Japan.

    He says one of the problems facing the industry is that many new artists are content to reproduce the masterpieces of the past - afraid to innovate.

    He said: "To copy from the old masterpieces is not a bad thing at all. There should always be people passing down traditional skills. But we have a problem, that is people always write an ancient dynasty name on their work. These people are skilled people. Why are they making fake antiques instead of making something that can fit in with modern people's lifestyle?"

    Chen Jinhai, dean of Tsinghua University's Ceramics Art College says budding artists need to think more about creating works that have a practical use.

    He said: "Education is a big reason for the present situation. We emphasize too much "elite education". Students get into college and all expect to be great artists. How much their work can sell for is another thing they are interested in. It's undeniable that there are very gifted people creating art pieces but ceramics design must be close to lifestyle and be based on lifestyle."

    China's new rich have given the flagging ceramics industry a boost - willing to pay 800 yuan per piece. But that's out of the reach of most ordinary people.

    Instead, at markets like Panjiayuan, customers can snap up a fake Qing dynasty vase for a mere 60 yuan.

    (Source: cctv.com)