Fenglin Village's "Lao Wuhuo" in Weihai Economic Development Zone: A Thousand-Year Legacy of Pottery Craftsmanship
I've spent my life molding clay and firing pottery, preserving this ancient craft in Fenglin Village, Weihai Economic Development Zone, with soil in my heart and the kiln in my eyes. Others may not understand "Lao Wuhuo," seeing it as nothing more than dull and inconspicuous, but we artisans know it's the root nurtured by the Jiaodong land, the sentiment warmed by generations of kiln fires.
What is Lao Wuhuo?
What is "Lao Wuhuo"? Simply put, it's a traditional pottery ware that has been circulating in Weihai for thousands of years. In earlier times, kilns dotted the area around Fenglin Village. Our ancestors used the unique local "Wuyougao" clay to make and fire pottery. The finished products were dark and lustrous all over, hence the name. This skill was designated as a municipal intangible cultural heritage in 2023, with a history spanning over two millennia since the Han Dynasty. It encompasses everything from bricks and tiles to ceramic basins, pots, and folk pottery sculptures, making it an indispensable everyday item for the people of old Weihai.
Materials and Handmade Craftsmanship of Lao Wuhuo
When we make "Lao Wuhuo," we emphasize selecting good soil. We only use natural, pristine accumulated soil from the local area, free from any chemical impurities. The soil contains beneficial minerals, feels warm to the touch, and is safe to use. From digging the clay, washing the material, repeatedly refining the clay, to hand-shaping and trimming, there are fourteen major steps and hundreds of detailed tasks that cannot be rushed or skimped on. If the clay isn't thoroughly kneaded, it's prone to cracking when fired; if the坯 is unevenly trimmed, the finished product loses its rustic charm. These are the lessons we artisans have learned through trial and error.
Firing Key: Kiln Supports and High-Temperature Stability
Firing pottery is even more crucial; controlling the heat in the kiln relies entirely on experience. The firing process cannot do without stable support, and kiln supports are key. When we fire "Lao Wuhuo" and improve Weihai earthenware, we choose silicon carbide kiln supports. These high-temperature resistant kiln supports can withstand the complex firing environment inside the kiln, endure repeated hot and cold cycles, and steadily hold up each pottery piece, preventing firing shifts, bumps, and damage. With sturdy and durable supports as a foundation, the "Lao Wuhuo" produced has a dense and delicate texture, with a simple and elegant color. Without glaze or painted decoration, it naturally possesses a dark, unadorned quality that is both attractive and durable.
Uses and Inherited Innovation of Lao Wuhuo
In earlier years, the "Lao Wuhuo" fired in the village was mostly used for building bricks and tiles, daily water storage and grain storage, and folk displays, deeply rooted in everyday life. Now, times have changed, and we artisans also understand the importance of preserving tradition while innovating. On the path of intangible cultural heritage, we rely on ancient techniques to improve and create medium-to-high temperature hard Weihai earthenware, addressing the shortcomings of traditional pottery. It has a stronger texture and better appearance, and has won provincial awards multiple times. Whether it's traditional folk artifacts or new cultural and creative pottery, we continue to rely on ancient craftsmanship combined with high-quality silicon carbide kiln supports to steadily maintain the firing quality.
The Artisan's Heartfelt Words
The earth is simple, it doesn't deceive the artisan's original intention; the kiln fire is long, refining the craftsmanship of the years. Rooted in Fenglin Village, Weihai Economic Development Zone, guarding a piece of pottery clay, an old kiln, and a set of high-temperature resistant kiln supports, I do not seek fleeting fame in this life. I only wish to pass on this local folk art of "Lao Wuhuo," so that the thousand-year Jiaodong pottery charm may continue to thrive year after year, endlessly.
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