CKYC Students Participate in Guangcai Printmaking Workshop: The Art of Porcelain Patterns - Choi Kai Yau College

On the afternoon of November 5, 2025, a group of students from Choi Kai Yau College took a shuttle bus to the creative space at the Macau Art Museum. They were there to experience Guangcai woodblock printing firsthand and immerse themselves in the unique charm of this traditional Lingnan art form.

Upon arrival, the instructor began by leading a tour of the workshop and introduced the materials for the activity: soft green rubber boards, engraving knives, pigments, Xuan paper, and more. The instructor then elaborated on the history and theoretical background of Guangcai. Originating in the Qing Dynasty, Guangcai is a traditional colored porcelain craft from the Lingnan region that integrates Chinese and Western painting techniques. Renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, it carries rich cultural significance. As the students listened, they felt as if they were traveling through time, connecting with the historical context behind this exquisite craftsmanship.

Following the theoretical introduction, the hands-on session began. The students picked up their brushes and sketched Guangcai patterns on the provided draft paper. Whether depicting flowers, birds, or geometric shapes, each design reflected their unique creativity. The instructor then demonstrated how to carve the design onto the soft rubber board in relief. As the engraving knife moved across the surface, the lines gradually revealed a three-dimensional effect. For many students, it was their first time handling an engraving knife, and their movements were initially awkward. The instructor patiently encouraged them, offering individual guidance on the angle and pressure of the knife to help them overcome the challenge.

After the carving was complete, the instructor introduced the dyeing process and distributed the mixed pigments. The trainees carefully applied paint to their carved boards. The colors flowed into the concave and convex textures, creating a unique artistic effect. The final step was printing: they gently pressed the inked board onto a sheet of Xuan paper. The moment they lifted it, exquisite Guangcai patterns came to life on the paper. The bright colors and delicate lines interwove into stunning works of art.

By the end of the event, the tables were covered with the students’ creations, each one embodying their ingenuity and effort. Everyone gathered to exchange their creative experiences. One participant remarked, “I never knew that Guangcai wasn’t just for porcelain; its printmaking techniques are equally captivating.”

This Guangcai Printmaking workshop not only allowed students to experience the unique allure of traditional Lingnan craftsmanship up close but also enabled them to feel the warmth and power of cultural inheritance through practice.

Text: MU FANGMENG