Chinese intangible cultural heritage handicrafts

It starts with material selection, carefully choosing high - quality raw materials such as clay. After steps like crushing and washing, impurities are completely removed. Then comes the forming stage, where shaping can be achieved through various methods like hand - throwing and slip casting. Immediately following is bisque firing, aiming to remove moisture from the green body and enhance its strength. Glazing endows ceramics with gorgeous colors and unique textures, and there are a wide variety of glazes.In the firing process, kilns play a crucial role. Common kilns include wood - fired kilns, coal - fired kilns, gas - fired kilns, and electric kilns. Wood - fired kilns use fuel such as pine wood. The ceramics fired in them have unique fire marks and charm, yet the production volume is low and the cost is high. Coal - fired kilns use coal as energy, with a relatively high temperature that is easy to control, and can fire various types of ceramics. Gas - fired kilns use natural gas, featuring rapid heating and uniform temperature, ensuring stable product quality and being environmentally friendly. Electric kilns utilize electrical energy for precise temperature control, making them suitable for firing fine ceramics with strict temperature requirements.Each type of kiln has its own characteristics. When firing, the firing temperature needs to be precisely controlled according to the type of ceramics, usually ranging from 1000°C to 1400°C. Under the effect of high temperature, the green body undergoes complex physical and chemical changes, ultimately transforming into hard and beautiful ceramics. This craftsmanship carries the infinite wisdom of the ancients, passed down from generation to generation, creating countless amazing and exquisite ceramics.