Zhengyin Art creates original, elegant artworks, perfectly placed to elevate hotel and public spaces while working in a wide range of mediums from ceramics to hand-forged metal and installations. The studio takes us to Jingdezhen to unravel the possibilities of ceramic in the world of hospitality…
Jingdezhen, situated in southeastern China, holds the esteemed title of the ‘Porcelain Capital’ due to its centuries-long tradition of crafting exquisite porcelain. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, it remains a pivotal cultural and historical city in China. The cityscape pays homage to this legacy, dotted with traditional kilns, workshops, and historic sites.
Image credit: Zhengyin Art
The porcelain produced in Jingdezhen owes its quality to the local kaolin clay, renowned for its fine particle size and purity. This clay exhibits exceptional plasticity, allowing artisans to mould and shape it with ease. Its smooth texture is vital for achieving the delicate translucency characteristic of high-grade porcelain. Another distinctive feature of Jingdezhen clay is its ability to withstand high firing temperatures exceeding 1300°C (2372°F). This capability is crucial for vitrification, imparting strength and translucency to porcelain.
The annual trips of the Zhengyin Art studio to Jingdezhen were marked by marvelling at the clay’s plasticity. Each visit involved studying and experimenting with ceramics. Beyond clay, the unpredictability of glazes fascinated us; their colours often transformed during kiln firing due to various chemical and physical processes, frequently surprising us with the outcomes.
Image credit: Zhengyin Art
Despite its advantages, controlling Jingdezhen clay presents challenges due to its sensitivity to environmental factors such as humidity, airflow, and temperature fluctuations during drying. Shrinkage before and after firing is common, requiring meticulous attention to detail to maintain overall quality.
One significant challenge we encountered was when constructing a ceramic brick wall for Conrad. This project involved creating a wall of hollow ceramic bricks connected by metal tubes. Achieving precise alignment of each brick hole, with less than 3mm difference, was critical for seamless on-site construction. Weight-bearing capacity was also carefully calculated during modelling to ensure safe installation and successful completion.
Image credit: Zhengyin Art
Another notable project was crafting a nine-meter-tall ceramic installation symbolizing the shadow of a flying dragon for Le Meridien in Xi’an. Despite its apparent simplicity, this artwork posed challenges in firing large pieces and managing intricate designs. Firing different boards separately and controlling the humidity of the greenware were crucial to assembling the final artwork while maintaining its fluidity.
In our recent collaboration with SM Studio and GZ Art Co. for the Qingdao DYT hotel project, we designed a series of ceramic artworks inspired by traditional Chinese paper cutting craftsmanship. These artworks were prominently featured in the elevator hallway of the hotel. Through a carefully crafted lighting design, the artworks interacted dynamically with the surrounding space, casting enlarged shadows that mirrored the intricate details of the artwork onto the walls.
Image credit: Zhengyin Art
Ceramics remain an ever-evolving art form, celebrated for their texture and unique characteristics. We believe the integration of ceramic works into the interior and architecture industry not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes sustainability through its durable and eco-friendly properties. As we move forward, we like to continue exploring and innovating with this versatile material, discovering new ways to leverage its beauty and functionality in design.
Zhengyin Art is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Zhengyin Art
