Fine, crisp and translucent. Many years ago, a dance between clay and fire gave rise to a tangible piece of art: porcelain. Porcelain is ceramic made by heating raw materials, often a mix between China stone and kaolin clay, in a kiln at a temperature as high as 1,200 degree Celsius.
In the realm of Chinese culture, the "Four Treasures of the Study", which are ink, paper, ink stone and brush, are not merely tools used by literati but also carriers of Chinese heritage.
A short soft brush connected to a long hard handle, both vigorous and gentle — a simple Chinese writing brush can describe the most sophisticated idea. Achieving both technical excellence and spiritual freedom in writing, a good brush allows for unrestrained creativity and endless variation.
Tai chi, an ancient martial art, is widely practiced across China. Though there are no formal statistics regarding the number of tai chi practitioners in the country, the martial art can be said to have enjoyed an enduring popularity over the years.
As the familiar melodies that once echoed through his childhood fill the air at Prince Kung's Palace Museum in downtown Beijing, 53-year-old Liang Rongshan is transported back in time.
