YU Bin, XIAO Xuan

(Research Institute of Ceramic Aesthetics, Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi 333001）

Abstract: This paper uses the method of semiotics to deconstruct and discuss a unique constructive model of Jingdezhen traditional ceramic-making workshop from the angle of symbolic space. The workshop's symbolic space can be divided into five categories: geography, architecture, manufacturing technology, landscape and culture. All the five subdivisions of the symbolic space represent different symbolic features of the same physical space. As a symbolic space overlapping those of technology, architecture and philosophy, Jingdezhen traditional ceramic-making workshop has rich cultural associations and distinct landscape feature. Ceramics products manufactured and culturally enriched in the workshop, then spread the culture that comes with it around the world through trade. Therefore, ceramics from the traditional workshop has the capability of cultural transmission over a geographical space.

Key words: Jingdezhen; workshop; symbolic space; cultural landscape