"We want to build Jinkeng into a cultural and academic center for the world, and to preserve the soul of the ceramics history in Jingdezhen" said Huang Qinghua, founder of the organization, "during the past year, we held 12 culture sessions which attracted scholars and ceramics enthusiasts from all over the world."
The center has set a good example and similar centers should be established to help the city attract more visitors from around the world, Kerr said while giving a lecture at the center on Monday afternoon.
To inspire innovation and cooperation, an industrial park featuring artist studios and workshops was opened last month, giving masters of hand-made porcelain and those who use special techniques a chance to produce and exhibit their works.
Wu Jiangzhong, a local ceramics master who specializes in large chinaware, has moved his kiln to Mingfang Park and expects it to boost the industry in the global market.
"Each studio has its unique technique passed down from the old generations and special customers. If we work together, we can inspire and foster our porcelain culture and create a brighter future," said Wu.
A ceramics exchange was launched in Jingdezhen last month in an effort to sharpen Jingdezhen's commercial edge by integrating online sales.
Dealing in artwork, raw materials and equities, the exchange is expected to post an aggregate turnover of 50 billion yuan (about 8 billion U.S. dollars) and create 100,000 jobs within five years.
Zhou Jun, who runs the exchange, predicted it would transform China's ceramics industry.
"We have established goals and we are confident we can achieve them," he said.
LACK OF NAME BRAND
Industrial insiders agree a major challenge for Jingdezhen porcelain is a lack of international brands.
Statistics shows the city has some 5,000 ceramics workshops and more than 600 companies, but none of them is internationally recognized.
"You can't find a Chinese name on the list of the world's top luxury ceramic brands. Jingdezhen is only a place of origin shared by local pottery makers," said master porcelain artist Duan Zhenmin, who founded the Jiuduanshao Ceramics Factory.
"The absence of an international brand in Jingdezhen also brings an opportunity, and we are aiming to renew the heritage of royal quality," said Huang Bin of the Imperial Kiln Company.
To protect its production techniques and better guarantee quality, the Imperial Kiln has given a special ID to each of its products. The local government is also building a database in an attempt to track luxury porcelain for export.
Pottery maker Bian Xiaodong is confident about the city's ability to gain a foothold in the world's high-end ceramics market if local industry can act quickly to build brands.
"We still have the best production techniques," he said.
