Guangcai, or Guangzhou gold-threaded polychrome porcelain, is a historic ceramic craft native to Guangzhou, defined by low-temperature overglaze decoration finished with gold detailing. A contemporary Guangcai exhibition is currently on view at the Guangdong Folk Craft Museum. The show pairs classic motifs — fruits, flowers and butterflies — with contemporary scenes of urban life. One work captures the bustle of a flower fair, combining traditional Guangcai color layering and long-line brushwork with modern fine-line figure painting. Another piece, weaves together goldfish, lotus, kapok and bauhinia to symbolize unity and family reunion across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Visitor:

"I’m really drawn to this chrysanthemum-patterned piece. The colors are so vibrant, and the motifs cover the entire body of the piece. It’s so richly gilded, stunning."

The exhibition features not only works by master artists from the mainland, but also creations by young artists from Hong Kong and Macao. The Hong Kong pieces, for instance, preserve traditional hand-painting skills and auspicious patterns, while incorporating local painting techniques and signature local themes. One work, Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, takes its inspiration from the iconic Mid-Autumn folk custom in Hong Kong.

Zhou Chengjie / President of Guangzhou Guangcai Development Research Association:

"We’ve adopted new approaches, like color washing techniques. We’ve also brought in cartoon-style visual language, so the works feel fresh and striking."