Made in JDZ

Made in JDZ is a curated feature programme by designer Ryan Ran, bringing together a rich blend of crafts including ceramics, metalwork, and lacquer art to explore the dynamic intersection of design and traditional craftsmanship. Centered around the concept of “Jingdezhen JDZ” — where J stands for Junction, D for Diverse, and Z for Zone — the programme bridges heritage techniques with contemporary living, championing innovation, sustainability, and a forward-thinking approach to craft.

The programme reimagines the role of craftsmanship in daily life through five key sections: the Brand Zone, Craft Compass, Three Themed Houses (House of Tea, Hall of Wine, and Place of Food), the Future Craft Store, and the JINGDENESE Forum. Each section reflects the evolving journey of craft as it deconstructs, transforms, and reassembles into new cultural expressions.

2026 Theme: Craft on the Stage

China possesses the world's most extensive craft resources, with the "human" element at its very core. Starting from ceramics, Jingdezhen is now attracting outstanding creators and brands from various craft disciplines. Ceramics, metalworking, textiles, lacquerware – millions of hands are imbuing Jingdezhen with new meaning, transforming it from the 'Porcelain Capital' into a burgeoning hub for China's young craft culture.

Following the 2025 theme "Craft Kaleidoscope," which allowed the public to hear craft's resonance in our era, the 2026 exhibition zone will explore "Craft Without Borders," presenting the diverse possibilities of craft through a more open, contemporary lens. Centered on the core concept of "On the Stage," this year's zone emphasizes craft stepping out of the "exhibition hall" and onto the vast stage of fashion and life, moving beyond traditional contexts. The visual design takes inspiration from the "spotlight," symbolizing the unprecedented attention craft is now receiving and echoing its revival and renewal within contemporary youth culture. The exhibition structure innovatively uses "flight case" elements, which unfold into display platforms and close into "mobile units," giving craft presentation greater flexibility and a modern sensibility.

The Made in JDZ featured programme will also introduce the JINGDENESE Forum for the first time, co-initiated by designer Ryan Ran and media professional Gu Qing. Taking place each afternoon during the exhibition, the forum will bring together renowned scholars, international design masters, architects, and local practitioners from Jingdezhen to explore the future of craftsmanship and pathways to innovation.

As a key intellectual and public exchange component of the programme, the JINGDENESE Forum aims to create a platform for dialogue and interdisciplinary exchange between contemporary expression and traditional craft.

Theme 1: From the Thousand-Year Ceramic Capital to a Contemporary Craft City

Jingdezhen, the ancient ceramic capital, is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. In recent years, the city has embraced an open approach, breaking the boundaries of the traditional ceramics industry to integrate deeply with contemporary crafts, design, and art. It is gradually becoming one of the most influential craft innovation cities in China.

This wave of change has attracted countless entrepreneurial artisans to settle in the city. They have established studios and brands, combining traditional techniques with modern design concepts to create unique works. Jingdezhen also provides a robust industrial chain, abundant creative resources, and a vast market, offering fertile ground for these entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.

In Theme 1, leading experts and scholars from the fields of art, design, culture, and economics will be invited to deliver talks exploring the revival of Jingdezhen’s craft culture, offering thought-provoking insights from diverse perspectives.

Theme 2: An Alternative Imagination of Jingdezhen

If Jingdezhen were to have a future craft store, what would it look like? How should product selection be approached, balancing contemporary craftsmanship, design vocabulary, and local characteristics? Are there any mature domestic or international examples that can offer insights?

In Theme 2, the founder of Beyond Craft Japan, a Japanese craft institution, will be invited to share experiences on balancing tradition with modernity and creating unique craft identities. The founder of BISHAN Industrial Sales Society, a rural community worker, will also share practical insights on using crafts to connect urban and rural areas and releasing the vitality of villages through creativity. This discussion will explore how to combine traditional crafts with modern commerce, aiming for sustainable development and offering ideas for Jingdezhen’s future growth.

Download Full Forum Schedule

Made in JDZ will host dynamic, immersive live events, inviting visitors to explore and engage.

01. Unintended Music Performance
The live performances at Made in JDZ will be rooted in improvisation, offering an unpredictable, moment-inspired experience. Founded in 2018, Unintended is an independent music label focused on experimental soundscapes, blending genres such as fusion, world music, free jazz, and electronic. The name 'Unintended' reflects the label’s embrace of the spontaneous and the unexpected.

02. Tea, Wine, and Coffee: A Sensory Experience
A dedicated handmade coffee zone will combine original design furniture with Jingdezhen’s handcrafted ceramics, creating a multi-sensory space. Visitors can enjoy coffee in a relaxed setting, experiencing the harmonious connection between craftsmanship and daily life.

Three Themed Houses: House of Tea, Hall of Wine, and Place of Food

Made in JDZ features three distinct areas—House of Tea, Hall of Wine, and Place of Food—each celebrating a key aspect of modern consumption. These zones offer practical, scenario-based solutions, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary lifestyles. Through carefully curated tea sets, wine utensils, and dining ware, the exhibition highlights how traditional techniques can be reinterpreted in today’s design and functionality, offering a glimpse into the potential for craftsmanship brands to integrate into modern living.

Craft Compass: Infinity Installation

Curated by Ryan Ran and Usefulless, the "Infinity" installation showcases a large, movable chandelier crafted from Jingdezhen’s linglong porcelain. This piece blends traditional techniques with modern expression, transforming light and shadow into a dynamic spatial experience. "Infinity" symbolises the endless evolution of craftsmanship, underscoring Jingdezhen’s role as a hub for contemporary ceramic innovation.