In the heart of Turpan, Xinjiang, 52-year-old potter Dong Yuanfu is breathing new life into a 3,000-year-old art form. Since his childhood days of molding clay toys, Dong has been captivated by the allure of painted pottery.
He treks across mountains to gather the finest soil, carefully shaping each piece and adorning it with intricate designs. At his potter’s wheel, he engages in a dialogue with an ancient civilization, connecting the past with the present.
Facing the challenges of industrialization and the potential loss of this millennia-old craft, Dong took action. He started offering training classes to villagers, sharing his passion and skills to ensure the tradition endures. “By teaching others, I’m not just making pottery; I’m preserving our cultural soul,” he says.
Through his dedication, Dong paints with clay and forges the soul with fire, safeguarding a precious cultural heritage for future generations.
