Gan Zhiyou, a 60-year-old craftsman, is the only surviving practitioner of the Fuli pottery techniques. [jxrb.cnjxol.com]

The clay pottery in Fuli village, Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, is famous for its beauty and its history.

The art of clay pottery in Fuli, dating back more than 5,600 years, uses design cues from nature, creating bold and primitive shapes.

Nearly 40 kinds of clay pottery have been discovered around the village.

Gan Zhiyou, a 60-year-old craftsman, is the only surviving practitioner of the Fuli pottery techniques. Since 1978 his life has been dedicated preserving the art.

In 1995, Gan was conferred an title of "National Folk Arts & Crafts Artist" by UNESCO.

He hopes to have the art of clay pottery with unique national characteristics carried forward by the younger generation.