Porcelain Granny's Mission: Preserving Hidden Stories Encased in Clay

In a quiet corner of the bustling 21st International Cultural Industries Fair, the delicate clink of porcelain mingles with the hum of visitors. Here, surrounded by shelves filled with shimmering ceramics, Pai Peng Yin—affectionately known as the "Porcelain Granny"—sits at her humble booth. With deft hands guided by decades of experience, she demonstrates the ancient art of black-glazed porcelain, a craft passed down through generations in China’s Taiwan region. For Pai, this isn’t just an art form; it is the very embodiment of her heritage and unwavering cultural identity.

Pai's story is one of silent resilience and dedication. For over half a century, she has remained committed to traditional techniques, refusing to let modernization wash away the subtle beauty and intricate methods behind each piece. “We’ve always been Chinese,” she says quietly, her statement carrying the weight of both history and belonging. The clay she shapes is more than material—it is a vessel for stories, traditions, and the dreams of her ancestors, preserved against the relentless tide of change.

Visitors at the fair are drawn not only to the lustrous black-glazed vases and pots, but also to Pai herself. They watch, captivated, as she transforms simple clay into objects of grace and memory. Each motion is precise, yet filled with a kind of gentle reverence. “I want people to see the beauty in what we have done for centuries,” she explains, beaming softly. Her commitment highlights the importance of cultural preservation, especially as younger generations in Taiwan and elsewhere increasingly prefer modern designs over time-honored traditions.

As Pai continues her work, her presence becomes a living testament to the enduring legacy of Chinese porcelain craftsmanship in Taiwan. She hopes that by sharing her passion and expertise, a new generation will pick up the clay and continue writing the story—one shaped by identity, artistry, and unbroken connection to the past. At this year’s fair, amidst dazzling displays from all over the world, it is perhaps the quiet strength of Porcelain Granny that most powerfully reminds visitors of the value woven into every artifact and every word: “We’ve always been Chinese.”