Deep in the Chinese mainland's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kashi's Gaotai neighborhood buzzes with centuries-old Uygur pottery making. Tucked between dusty lanes and sun-baked walls, the warm clay tells stories of artisans past as skilled hands mold it into art today. 🏺✨
Uygur potter Anwar Ali is the guardian of this timeless craft. His workshop is a cozy corner where the air is filled with the scent of wet clay and the gentle hum of a spinning wheel. With each turn, Ali's skilled fingers shape raw earth into beautiful bowls, mugs, and teapots—all still made entirely by hand.
Ali tells us each piece carries a memory as he smooths the rim of a teapot. He says the secret lies in the texture of the clay, the rhythm of the wheel, and a dash of imagination. His designs merge traditional Uygur patterns—swirling vines and geometric motifs—with a modern twist that speaks to both history buffs and design lovers alike.
This ancient technique is more than just craft—it's a living heritage. Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, Uygur pottery has faced challenges in the modern era. Yet, artisans like Ali are breathing new life into the art form, passing down traditions to younger generations and keeping the clay spinning.
China Arab TV's Alobaidi Ameen documented Ali's process in an intimate video, offering a close-up look at the magic behind each creation. From the first pinch of clay to the final kiln firing, every stage is a celebration of patience and passion.
Next time you sip tea from a hand-thrown mug or admire a handcrafted bowl, remember the centuries of culture spinning in every swirl and curve. 🌍💫
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
