West Virginia University has a unique linkage with the famed Imperial Porcelain City of Jingdezhen. The WVU ceramics program has teamed with the Pottery Workshop to offer a five-week study and travel program in the Peoples Republic of China during the summer. Space is available for 15 -18 students who want to work and study with some of China’s most prominent teachers and ceramic artists. This is a rare moment in time for the serious student potter to touch those historic roots as well as connect with the inspiring energy of artisans past and present.
Eligibility
This 5-week summer course is open to anyone interested in Chinese ceramics and culture.
Submit your unofficial application to study ceramics in China
Cost & Credits
Tuition and fees: $7,800
Price may vary slightly. This cost includes additional fees required by West Virginia University. Cost covers International airfare, in-country travel, all lodging, food (an exception being during the final travel portion of the program), materials, and 6 graduate or undergraduate transferable credits from West Virginia University.
6 Studio Credits: Ceramics
Travel
At the end of the studio portion in Jingdezhen, participants will travel North by plane to Xian for 4 days. Xian, China’s ancient capital, once served as the powerful center of the Tang dynasty silk trade route. Rich in cultural and art history, this area is a pivotal site connected to the origins of Chinese civilization. Xian is home to Emperor Qin’s terra-cotta Army, one of the major wonders of the world, Bampo Village, Forest of Steles, Xian Museum, Dian Pagoda, Tang Dynasty tombs, Famen Temple and much, much more.
While in the Xian area, we travel to Chen Lu. Chen Lu is an ancient pottery village that has carried on the Yaoware pottery traditions since the Tang dynasty. For two days, participants will have the opportunity to explore materials and tools relevant to Chinese pottery traditions that have shaped an important segment of China’s ceramic legacy for over a thousand years. This tiny mountain top village is the home of family owned potteries that continue the elegant Yaoware carved porcelain traditions.
Next, participants will travel by train to Beijing for the final three to four day segment of the trip. Visits to the Great Wall, Tainanmen Square, Forbidden City, Palace Museum, antique market, silk markets will highlight the final portion of the trip.
Faculty Contact
Shoji Satake
Associate Professor and Director, WVU China Ceramics Program
shoji.satake@mail.wvu.edu