The current exhibition features work that seems to fuse both eastern and western sensibilities and techniques.

For example, Liu Zheng's "Night Owl" pain

ted on a rectangular plate evokes the impressionist brush strokes of Matisse. The artist turns porcelain into a canvas filled with primitive energy and power.

The same visual impact is conveyed in works by Gan Daofu. Again, using porcelain as his canvas the young artist paints wave-like and water fall-like shapes. The work seems to pour out of the frame and provoke reflection. Gan says the work "conceals an Oriental philosophical parable."

"A creative mind is critical for today's artists, otherwise, they can only be called craftsmen," Zhong says. "Eclipsed by veterans and masters, many talented young porcelain artists are unable to emerge and be introduced to the public. Through this exhibition, I hope they can be shown as rising stars."

The highlight of the exhibition is the contemporary celadon, pottery with a pale green glaze, made at the legendary Longquan Kiln in east China's Zhejiang Province. The local clay, glaze and water create special effects. More than 80 steps are required to create each piece, including 13 steps that have been followed for more than 1,700 years. Longquan celadon reached its peak during the Song (AD 960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties.

Young celadon artists today, such as Chen Aiming, follow ancient techniques while giving their work a modern feel and creating modern shapes.

Date: Through January 20, 9am-4pm

Address: 2/F, Exhibition Hall of Shanghai Library, 1555 Huaihai Rd M.

Source: Shanghai Daily