Yet Changsha ceramics is one of four ancient kilns that exported abroad during the Tang Dynasty (618-907)- alongside Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, Quyang in Hebei (Dingyao) and Linru in Henan (Ruyao).

Asleep more than 1,000 years, the Changsha ceramic (Changshayao) kiln was unearthed in Shizhuhu, a village in the Changsha municipality of Hunan in 1952.

Opened on August 1 Yi Fan Ge gathers ceramics from Changsha made by 47-year-old ceramic artist Mao Jianxin, president of Hunan Ceramic Art Association.

There are more than 100 famous kilns in Chinese ceramic history. Changshayao is oneof the oldest, dating from the early Tang. During the Tang Dynasty hundreds of kilns appeared in Changsha, all on a grand scale. Most ceramics were exported to Japan, East Asia and Europe.

Changsha was known for its short-bodied, sharp-spouted and straight, long-necked ceramics.

Itg reflected refinement and magnanimity, the symbol of a flourishing age, says Mao Jianxin. But at the end of the dynasty, the Yangtze River flooded and submerged all hte kilns and thousands of finished articles of pottery.

This ancient earthenware inspires Mao.He enjoys his Hunan inheritance and combines it with his personal design.

"Ancient Changshayao's prosperity is passed. I hope my new Changshayao ceramics will open a great page again," says Mao.

Mao spends mos tof time in his studio in a village near Changsha. His works are transported by air to Beijing each week.

Where: Yi Fan Ge, 8 Jianneidajie, C 203, 2nd floor of COFCO Plaza, Chaoyang District.

Price: ceramic works at 20-30 yuan. pots at 800-3,000 yuan.

(Beijing Today August 27, 2002)