Porcelain Granny's Mission: Preserving Hidden Histories Embedded in Clay Art

Inside the bustling halls of the 21st International Cultural Industries Fair, a quiet but remarkable presence draws visitors to the exhibition area representing China's Taiwan region. Seated patiently behind an array of delicate pottery, Pai peng yin, fondly known as the "Porcelain Granny," exemplifies a lifetime's devotion to the ancient craft of black-glazed porcelain. Now in her seventies, Pai is one of the last remaining artisans who continue to preserve this centuries-old technique—an art form that has survived war, migration, and the relentless march of modernization.

To Pai, porcelain is far more than just a material object. "It's a belief," she explains simply, her hands stained with clay from decades of work. Each piece she creates is imbued with deep personal and cultural significance—a tangible link to generations past and a symbol of unbroken tradition. As she gently shapes the clay, every movement is measured and intentional, reflecting the knowledge and values inherited from her ancestors. For Pai, the act of molding porcelain is a way of safeguarding stories that might otherwise fade into obscurity.

The traditional black-glazed porcelain technique used by Pai is recognized for its unique luster and historical roots in China's Song dynasty. Few artisans have mastered its challenging process, which involves carefully controlled firing and glazing to achieve its signature sheen. Over the years, mass production and shifting tastes have threatened the survival of this craft, making Pai's dedication all the more vital. She has become a living repository of skills, often sitting at her booth and answering questions from curious fairgoers and aspiring young potters alike.

Despite the challenges, Pai remains resolute in her mission. She speaks quietly but with conviction, declaring, "We've always been Chinese." In those few words, she affirms not just her personal identity, but also the enduring cultural bonds shared across the Taiwan Strait. Her commitment resonates powerfully, especially in a time when cultural heritage can sometimes seem fragile. Visitors find themselves drawn not only to her artistry, but to her quiet pride—a reminder that some traditions endure not because they resist change, but because they adapt while safeguarding their essence.

As Pai carefully displays her finished pieces—each one a testament to persistence, memory, and craft—the "Porcelain Granny" stands as a beacon for the preservation of both technique and identity. Her mission goes beyond shaping clay; it is about saving the stories and values hidden within each vessel. In doing so, Pai ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to connect with the art, history, and enduring spirit of her homeland.