Along the banks of the Yellow River in Jinan, traditional pottery and sculpting crafts are revitalizing the area's rich cultural heritage. Using the river's fertile silt as their primary material, artisans in Jiyang district have developed distinctive forms of black pottery, clay sculpture, and painted pottery that merge ancient craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression.

Among the most renowned is Jiyang black pottery, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage item with a history of more than 4,500 years. Crafted through a detailed process of throwing, carving, and kiln firing, the pottery is celebrated for its delicate texture and deep black finish, often described as "thin as paper and black as lacquer". In recent years, the craft has gained wider recognition through appearances at major cultural events, including the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair.

Another key folk art is Yellow River clay sculpting. Artisans collect and refine river mud before hand-shaping it into vivid human figures and rural scenes inspired by local life and Yellow River culture. The works often capture the warmth, resilience, and simplicity of the communities living along the river.

Adding modern flair to these traditional arts is Yellow River painted pottery, a newer craft that shows the natural beauty of the river's sediment. Fired in wood kilns at temperatures reaching 1,200 degrees Celsius without artificial glaze, each piece develops unique patterns and colors through natural mineral reactions inside the kiln, making every piece one of a kind.

An innovative design of Jiyang black pottery on display, blending 4,500-year-old heritage with contemporary artistic shapes. [Photo/WeChat account: jinanxuanchuan]

A detailed figurine portrays the authentic and expressive character of traditional Yellow River folk culture. [Photo/WeChat account: jinanxuanchuan]

Yellow River painted pottery demonstrates how river silt transforms into a variety of stunning, one-of-a-kind artworks. [Photo/WeChat account: jinanxuanchuan]