This summer, Paris took centre stage as the 33rd Summer Olympic Games unfolded, attracting attention from across the globe. In a nod to the international nature of the event, the French National Olympic and Sports Committee incorporated four pieces of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain art into the celebrations. The collection, which was highlighted before the Games’ opening ceremony, symbolised not only the refinement of Chinese craftsmanship but also the shared values of the Olympic spirit.
As attention turned towards the relationship between China and France, the porcelain capitals of both countries—Jingdezhen in China and Limoges in France—stood out for their shared artistic heritage. Limoges, an ancient city in southern France, is widely recognised as the country’s “Porcelain Capital.” Known for its long history in ceramic production, Limoges plays a similar cultural role in France as Jingdezhen does in China. Both cities are committed to preserving and promoting their centuries-old porcelain-making traditions, serving as living museums of ceramic craftsmanship.
On the streets of Limoges and on the campus of Jingdezhen Ceramic University, a striking symbol of this Sino-French artistic partnership stands tall: a porcelain pillar, crafted in 2018 as a collaborative project between students and teachers from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Art Limoges and Jingdezhen Ceramic University. The blue-and-white artwork is a testament to the fusion of French elegance with Chinese craftsmanship, illustrating how both cities use ceramics to bridge cultural divides.
The relationship between Jingdezhen and Limoges goes beyond art, encapsulating a deep cultural exchange that has grown over time. In 2010, the two cities formalised their connection by becoming sister cities, uniting through their shared passion for ceramics. Since then, they have fostered a spirit of collaboration, with ceramic art serving as the common language between the two cultures.
One year after the sister city partnership was established, art students from both the École Nationale Supérieure d’Art Limoges and Jingdezhen Ceramic University began exchanging visits, becoming ambassadors of cultural and artistic dialogue. These exchanges have provided young artists with a unique opportunity to learn from each other, further enriching the cultural ties between the two cities.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, and the connection between Jingdezhen and Limoges is emblematic of the broader Sino-French relationship. The enduring bond between the two porcelain capitals highlights how art and culture can serve as powerful tools for fostering understanding between nations.
Ceramic art, with its long history and intricate craftsmanship, continues to be a platform for cultural exchange between China and France. As the two cities celebrate their shared artistic heritage, they also look to the future, poised to write a new chapter in their ongoing relationship. The mutual respect and understanding that have developed through the medium of porcelain serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange in building and maintaining international friendships.