Guo Jianhua – Inheritor of Pottery-making Craft in Shangri-la County, Diqing

Profile of Guo Jianhua

Guo Jianhua (郭建华) is the inheritor of Tibetan black pottery firing techniques from Tangdui Village (汤堆村), Nixi Township (尼西乡), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州). As the birthplace of Tibetan black pottery, Tangdui Village (汤堆村) boasts a ceramic tradition dating back over 2,000 years to the stone coffin culture period. In 2008, “Tibetan Black Pottery Firing Techniques” were inscribed on China’s second national intangible cultural heritage list.

Artistic Background

Trained in family pottery techniques since childhood, Guo mastered the complex production process including:

  • Clay collection and preparation
  • Shaping and drying
  • Inlaying porcelain
  • Polishing
  • Firing
  • Smoke curing
  • Yogurt wash finishing

His works preserve traditional charm while incorporating contemporary designs.

Craftsmanship and Innovation

Renowned for being “black as lacquer, smooth as jade,” Nixi Black Pottery (尼西黑陶) represents significant Tibetan cultural symbolism. Guo has expanded traditional utilitarian wares into artistic products like:

  • Decorative vases
  • Drinking vessels
  • Modern lifestyle items

His creations have gained domestic and international market appeal.

Cultural Inheritance

As a provincial intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Guo has:

  • Trained young artisans
  • Developed collective economic projects
  • Promoted industrial development

With growing tourism and heritage recognition, Nixi Black Pottery (尼西黑陶) has attracted numerous visitors for cultural experiences and purchases.

Guo’s dedication has not only preserved this ancient craft but also contributed significantly to local economic and cultural development in Diqing (迪庆).

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