Imagine stepping into the winding lanes of Kashi's Gaotai neighborhood, where old brick walls meet the soft glow of clay wheels. Here, the centuries-old craft of Uygur pottery making isn't just alive, it's thriving as a national intangible cultural heritage in the Chinese mainland. 🏺✨
At the heart of this story is Uygur potter Anwar Ali. With nimble fingers and a keen eye, he transforms a simple lump of clay into elegant bowls, mugs, and teapots, each piece telling a tale of tradition and creativity. Every curve, every line, is shaped entirely by hand, honoring techniques passed down through generations. 👨🎨 Clay meets culture in every spin of his potter's wheel.
If you have ever sipped masala chai in a clay kulhad at a Delhi stall or wandered stalls of gerabah jars in Java, you will feel right at home. This craft ties us all together across borders. 🌍
Behind each handcrafted piece:
- Clay sourcing: Located near the Tarim Basin, the local clay brings a unique texture and warmth to the pottery.
- Classic designs: From floral motifs to geometric patterns, each decoration nods to Uygur heritage.
- Community hub: The Gaotai neighborhood doubles as a living museum where residents and visitors alike gather to watch, learn, and share stories.
For young creatives and culture buffs scrolling through your feed, this is more than a throwback to ancient times. It is a reminder that in a world driven by tech and trends, there is space for handcrafted art that connects us to our roots. 🌟💡 So next time you admire a handmade mug, think about the hands that shaped it and the centuries of history they carry.
Curious to see more? Join China Arab TV's Alobaidi Ameen for a close-up tour of this pottery paradise, where every spin of the wheel is a spin through time. 🕰️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
