The Oldest Jingdezhen Porcelain Shop in Beijing

Jingdezhen Artistic Porcelain Outlet, which has been in Beijing for over 70 years, moved from Qianmen St. to Zhushikou West St. recently. The store carries a huge selection of porcelain ware made in Jingdezhen of Jiangxi Province, the first most famous porcelain city in China. Many foreign dignitaries have visited this outlet for its world famous porcelain.

The shelves display various vividly patterned porcelain vases. One white vase, designed with black-eyed red carps, looks almost alive. The selection is incredible, and the price varies a great deal. For souvenirs, the outlet also sells small trinkets. These include round or heart-shaped porcelain caskets, priced at RMB 15 each or RMB 25 for two. Or one may like a pair of little colorful porcelain lions, which look very exquisite.

Browsing through the store, an artist painting on a plate aroused my interest. When asked, he told me that he’s from Jiangxi Province, and that he’s painting a photo for a customer. A customer can have his or her photo painted upon a plate for RMB168, which includes a plate made in Jingdezhen and a wooden stand. Or the customer can get a name painted on a cup for only RMB 25. To avoid color-fading, the photo or name on the porcelain must be parched for a night. Therefore, you must come back to pick up the plate the following day.

What I appreciated

The most famous porcelain in China, 70 years of history in Beijing, a wide variety of porcelain items.

What customers appreciate

Famous porcelain, choice of both inexpensive items for presents or souvenirs, and large ornate porcelain pots.