Huizhou, a key city in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, is a nationally renowned historical and cultural city. The Dongjiang River flows through the city, nurturing the Dongjiang civilization—an important branch of Lingnan culture. Here, an artisan transforms river sand into pigments and porcelain into a canvas, capturing the essence of Huizhou.

At 63, Liu Hanxin has devoted 43 years to the art of color porcelain. To him, each piece is more than an object—it is a vessel of local memory.

[Interview] Liu Hanxin, inheritor of Hanxin Kiln's intangible heritage
More than a decade ago, I developed a unique technique called Dongjiang Purple-Sand Piled Color, using sand from the Dongjiang River as the primary pigment. Since then, I have created a wide range of works featuring local landscapes, ancient alleys, traditional courtyards, and the fruits and flowers of Lingnan.

Every piece is infused with his love for his hometown, with details so exquisite they seem almost lifelike. His lychee-themed works, in particular, are fired to achieve a naturally rich, glossy red finish—plump and remarkably realistic. They have won multiple awards and become popular Lingnan-inspired cultural souvenirs.

While perfecting his craft, Liu has remained equally committed to passing it on. From university exhibitions to school workshops, he guides students step by step, revealing the subtleties of the craft. He believes that culture is not a relic to be placed on a shelf—it remains alive only when it is experienced, learned, and passed on.