In some regions of China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), people collected porcelain items from various households for significant events such as weddings and funerals.

They would then engrave marks on the porcelain to ensure the items were returned to their original owners. This special tradition has been passed down through the generations to today.

However, it should be noted that porcelain carving at that time was not seen as an art form due to its practical uses.

According to existing evidence and literature, the porcelain carving technique emerged during the Qianlong emperor's long 60-year reign (1736-95) and gained popularity in the Guangxu period (1875-1908) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the Republican period (1912-1949).

Initially limited to the imperial court, porcelain carving eventually became accessible to ordinary people.

During the Qianlong period, people started to carve landscapes onto porcelain panels. These panels were then framed with purple sandalwood to create stunning indoor hanging screens.

Porcelain carving work. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Guangxu period saw significant development in porcelain carving, with a growing variety of decorated porcelain items – including vases, tea sets, jars and bowls. The scope of subject matter also expanded beyond landscapes to flowers, birds, figures and calligraphy.