Introduction:
Pottery, an ancient craft passed down
through generations, holds a special place in the cultural heritage of the
Uyghur people. The pottery of the Uyghur community in Kashgar, a city steeped
in Silk Road history, embodies a unique blend of tradition and artistic
excellence. This article delves into the distinct characteristics, historical
significance, and challenges Uyghur pottery faces.
Characteristics of Uyghur Pottery:
1. Ancient and Elegant Style:
Uyghur pottery boasts an ancient and simplistic style, echoing the artistry of bygone eras. Masterful Uyghur artisans adorn their creations with intricate depictions of grasses and flowers, evoking a sense of elegance and distinction. These patterns, when spread across a surface, are enhanced by subtle lines of varied colours, bestowing an antique allure.
2. Vibrant, Locally-Sourced Colours:
The palette of Uyghur pottery is a testament to nature's abundance, featuring hues like liver, yellow, earthy tones, green, and dark green. These colours are exclusively derived from locally sourced minerals such as lead, copper, red clay, white stone, and black iron. Copper is deftly employed to achieve captivating shades of light and dark green. The high proportion of locally mixed materials contributes to the quality of the colouring process, which involves meticulous firing and glazing for three to four hours.
3. Handcrafted Excellence:
Every piece of Uyghur pottery is a labour of love, meticulously shaped by skilled hands. Despite the handmade nature, Uyghur potters consistently achieve straight, beautifully constructed, uniform-sized pieces with consistent diameters. This dedication to craftsmanship is a hallmark of their artistic prowess.
4. Rarity in Craftsmanship and Aesthetic Value:
Uyghur ceramics are distinguished by their
rarity and high aesthetic value. These creations stand as a testament to the
exceptional skill and creativity of Uyghur potters, showcasing objects that
bear cultural significance and artistic excellence.
The Legend of Potter’s Cliff:
Nestled on the banks of the Tuman River,
the "Potter’s Cliff" is a revered site in Kashgar's pottery legacy.
Local legend recounts a monumental flood 800 years ago, which deposited abundant clay along the riverbanks. Resourceful locals seized this
opportunity, establishing the city's inaugural pottery workshops on the mound,
giving birth to the famed "Potter’s Cliff."
Historical Roots and Artifacts:
The history of pottery in Kashgar spans
millennia, evidenced by a wealth of ceramic artefacts unearthed from a
Neolithic archaeological site approximately 50 kilometres from the
city. Jars, bowls, basins, plates, and cups bear testament to the enduring
legacy of this ancient craft.
Traditional Crafting Methods:
Generations of potters have honed their
skills, adhering to time-honoured crafting techniques. Without modern tools,
they rely on a wooden wheel crafted from desert poplar wood. Using their
feet to rotate the wheel, potters gently coax the clay into desired shapes,
preserving a method steeped in tradition.
Challenges in the Modern Era:
The advent of modern technology has
presented challenges to Kashgar's ceramics industry. Ceramics, once a vital
material, now contend with mass-produced metals and plastics. This shift has
resulted in declining traditional pottery workshops, with only a handful of
Uyghur families persevering in the face of change.
Preserving Uyghur Pottery Tradition:
Designated as an intangible cultural
heritage in 2006, preserving Uyghur traditional pottery faces a
pivotal moment. While some workshops have transformed into exhibition spaces
for tourists, questions arise about whether this transition truly safeguards
the essence of this cherished craft.
Conclusion:
Uyghur pottery stands as a testament to
the enduring creativity, skill, and cultural significance of the Uyghur people.
As this ancient craft navigates the challenges of modernity, a collective
effort is needed to ensure its continued legacy for future generations.
Reference
China Daily (2018). "Traditional Kashgar pottery prospers with progression." Available at: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2018-06/14/content_36385742.htm Accessed: 23/03/2020.
World Bulletin (2016). "The last of Kashgar potters in China." Available at: https://www.worldbulletin.net/art-culture/the-last-of-kashgar-potters-in-china-h162559.html Accessed: 25/03/2020.
Zunun, Memet T. (2019) The Encyclopedia of Uyghur Tradition and Social Customs. London: Uyghur Language Study.
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