Recently, Passing the Torch | Wood-Fired Pottery, a joint art exhibition exclusively presented by Taoxichuan Hotel (Destination by Hyatt), grandly opened to great warmth in the Art Corridor on the hotel’s first floor.

Amid the height of summer, the hotel has partnered with seven contemporary artists: Zhang Jiahao, Li Yao, Cao Jiyuan, He Yanggang, Lü Zi, Wang Zhiwei and Zhang Yinjie. Using wood-fired ceramic craft as their artistic medium, they hold a dialogue with nature and serendipity, exploring the everlasting spirit of creation.

Wood firing is the oldest ceramic firing technique, as well as an artistic ritual that entrusts part of the creative process entirely to nature. Wood ash melts under blazing flames, forming ever-changing fire marks and ash glazes on the surface of ceramic wares. Unlike industrial kilns with precise, controllable conditions, the interplay of flames, firewood, ashes and time endows every artwork with exclusive textures and hues. This unpredictability embodied in the ancient saying “One tone goes into the kiln, myriad hues emerge from it” constitutes the most enchanting charm of wood-fired art. Every streak of fire mark and every layer of naturally accumulated ash represents a collaborative creation between humanity and nature, as well as imprints carved by time.

Mr. Li Hao, General Manager of the hotel, remarked: "We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to every participating artist. Wood firing is an ancient yet vibrant ceramic firing technique. Shaped collectively by flame, firewood, ashes and time, it bestows unique textures and colors upon every artwork.

This exhibition brings together wood-fired creations crafted by many outstanding ceramic artists. These works uphold and inherit traditional wood-firing craftsmanship, while also pursuing exploration and innovation by integrating contemporary aesthetics and artistic expressions. Diverse creative philosophies converge here, and varied artistic forms blend with one another, jointly showcasing the rich and diverse spiritual dimension of wood-fired art.

As a hotel rooted in Jingdezhen, we have long believed that art belongs not merely to art museums, but ought to be woven into everyday life for all people. We keep transforming the hotel’s public areas into an open, inclusive platform for art exhibitions, hoping that every guest can encounter art by chance during their travels."

"Passing the Torch symbolizes both flame and heritage. It embodies the perpetual creative spirit of ceramic civilization that has endured for thousands of years, and carries the creative passion of contemporary artists for continuous exploration and innovation.

Moving forward, we will continue to draw upon Jingdezhen’s profound ceramic cultural heritage, collaborate with more outstanding artists, curators and cultural institutions, and launch high-caliber art exhibitions and cultural events on an ongoing basis. We strive to make the hotel far more than a mere resting place for travelers, but also a platform for artistic exchange, cultural sharing and the birth of creative inspiration."

Drawing inspiration from the refining essence of "earth and fire" inherent to wood-fired pottery, the hotel’s culinary team crafted a bespoke opening coffee break. Translating the fluid texture of ash glaze and the random grain of fire marks into sculptural details of desserts, the creations also incorporate Fuliang local tea elements, enabling guests’ taste buds to resonate in tandem with the kiln fire.

This exclusive custom refreshment spread offers visitors a flavorful journey steeped in artistic ambience. Moving forward, Taoxichuan Hotel (Destination by Hyatt) will uphold the spirit of artistic exploration, tap into the diversity of local arts and culture, and deliver a wealth of immersive, wonderful artistic experiences to every guest.