Ceramic Decal Craftsmanship Takes Center Stage with Innovative Advancements

In the heart of China's ceramics industry, a revolutionary breakthrough in ceramic decal processing has captured global attention. The story unfolds at Shandong Zibo Hanqing Ceramics, where a team led by Kong Fanxia, Production Center Director and Head of the Decal Department, has achieved a milestone in the art of seamless decal application.

Kong Fanxia, a 1972-born labor model in Zibo City, has come a long way from her humble beginnings as a high school graduate with little knowledge of ceramics. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the spirit of craftsmanship. "It's the last line of defense," she says, inspecting carts of ceramic products bound for the kiln. "The more meticulous we are, the higher the yield of flawless pieces."

The latest feat in Kong's illustrious career is the development of the groundbreaking "seamless decal" technology. In 2015, Hanqing Ceramics received a prestigious order to produce custom tableware for the Beijing National Convention Center, featuring an exquisite design named "Plum Blossom Green" with an inner blue glaze and an outer white finish. The challenge was daunting: to apply intricate floral patterns seamlessly onto bone china products, eliminating any trace of color discrepancy or visible seams.

Traditionally, applying decals to irregularly shaped ceramics is a meticulous process involving cutting the decal into multiple pieces and manually aligning them, often resulting in visible gaps or uneven glaze. Kong and her team rose to the occasion, embarking on a three-year odyssey of experimentation and innovation.

Utilizing cutting-edge 3D modeling technology, they tailored the decals to fit each piece perfectly, employing a stereoscopic cutting technique that revolutionized the industry. In collaboration with the technical department, they refined the formulas for decal inks and glazes, ensuring that under high temperatures, the molecular structures fused seamlessly, resulting in a flawless, vibrant finish.

In 2021, their efforts were recognized when the "Method for Preparing Seamless Decals on Ceramics" was granted a patent by the National Intellectual Property Administration of China. This marked the first and only invention patent in the history of daily-use ceramic decal decoration, a testament to Hanqing Ceramics' pioneering spirit.

Kong's success is not limited to her technical achievements. She is also a passionate educator, driving continuous improvement among her team. Under her guidance, her team members excelled in the 2021 National Vocational Skills Competition, securing the top spot in the decal application category and earning the title of National Technical Experts in Light Industry.

The impact of this innovation extends beyond the factory walls. Hanqing Ceramics' showroom in Zichuan District, Zibo, showcases a range of stunning products adorned with seamless decals, each a testament to the blend of tradition and modern technology. From the elegant "Plum Blossom Green" to the exquisite "Spring Prospect" and the grand "Prosperous Era," each piece tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and relentless pursuit of perfection.

The story of Kong Fanxia and Hanqing Ceramics has resonated globally, inspiring ceramic artists and enthusiasts worldwide. On digital platforms like TikTok, videos showcasing the intricate process of ceramic decal application have amassed millions of views and likes, drawing attention to the rich cultural heritage and innovative prowess of China's ceramics industry.

Foreign ceramicists like Florian Gadsby, a British potter with over 1.4 million followers on TikTok, have expressed admiration for Kong's work and the influence of ancient Chinese ceramics on his own creations. This cross-cultural exchange underscores the universal appeal of the ceramic art form and the importance of preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship.

As Kong Fanxia and her team continue to push the boundaries of ceramic decal processing, they serve as beacons of hope for a thriving industry that values both tradition and innovation. The future of Chinese ceramics looks bright, with each piece telling a unique story of craftsmanship, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.