Lai Chi Wo "Hundred Flowers" x Canton Porcelain (Guangcai) New Innovation

Overglaze porcelain fired at 800°C is truly like a phoenix rising from the ashes—its colors turn brilliantly translucent, bringing a dazzling surprise. Dating back to the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the imperial "Hundred Flowers" (Baihua Budidi) porcelain motif embodies the auspicious imagery of a hundred flowers blooming in a prosperous, peaceful world. Its rich, vibrant floral display has been beloved worldwide, enduring for over 300 years.

Patsy Cheng (Cheng Min-wah), co-author of The Lai Chi Wo Chronicle and a Canton porcelain artisan, recently met Dr. Angie Ng, Conservation Manager of The Conservancy Association, in the 300-year-old Lai Chi Wo Hakka Village. Sparks flew as they discussed the intersection of botany and culture. Dr. Ng, author of Ethnobotanical Applications in Lai Chi Wo, noted that Lai Chi Wo is home to over 500 plant species, making its biodiversity among the richest in Hong Kong. Eager to share this joy with the community, the duo decided to launch a creative journey of "Observing, Discussing, and Painting Flowers." By drawing inspiration from the past to innovate for the present, they aim to re-root the transformative art of porcelain painting, using Lai Chi Wo’s diverse flora to spark a dialogue with contemporary ecological conservation and rural life.

This is a "Farm to Painting" artistic experiment that simply cannot be rushed in a city. It is an endeavor to recreate a classic, with the hope of painting sustainably into the future. By bringing the imperial aesthetics of yesteryear to Lai Chi Wo—a village that has undergone over a decade of ecological restoration—the traditional peonies of wealth and status are transformed into rare local wild blossoms. Guided by Angie, we will identify plants in the woods and fields. Under Patsy's mentorship, we will learn overglaze techniques, weaving our perceptions of nature onto porcelain blanks through a meticulous multi-step process.

In this event, you will experience the journey from field research to a traditional village home. There, you will immerse yourself in the intricate steps of Guangcai painting—from initial paper sketching and transferring designs onto porcelain, to outlining and coloring. This experience invites you to step away from the fast-paced city life and enjoy a dedicated, mindful moment of focus.

As this is the inaugural session of the workshop, spots are strictly limited. We warmly invite you to join us, connect a timeless artistic theme with local resonance, and immerse yourself in a holistic art experience that bridges past and present.