Devotee sustains the luster of Huaning pottery

Photo provided to China Daily

"I used pieces of paper to record chemistry and I would read and memorize them whenever I had time. When I got puzzled, I consulted with the masters in the ceramics factory. I bought test tubes and alcohol lamps to conduct experiments at home during my spare time," says Li.

Li's hard work bore fruit in a few years. In 1989, she was hired by the Second Pottery Factory in Huaning, which was facing bankruptcy. Thanks to Li's efforts, the collapsing factory was reinvigorated with profit surging to 300,000 yuan ($49,000), 10 times that of the previous year. She was appointed president of the restructured factory in 2001. Her push for quality, she says, won new customers at home and abroad, in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.

Pottery craft a dying art

But she says she couldn't have done it all on her own. Li's family was always there for her to help protect the cultural heritage. Now, her son, three daughters and other family members are dedicated to the pottery industry.

Chen Junwei, her son-in-law and the general manager of the Huaning Seven Rainbow Kiln Ceramic Co, says Li has devoted herself to Huaning pottery, characterized by designs of traditional flowers.

"She is selfless in cultivating the workers and sharing her experience with them; she also helps the local economy with 157 staff working in her company," Chen says.

Photo provided to China Daily

Li's grandson Cao Liang also works in the industry. "Huaning pottery represents the local culture and thus should be passed down from generation to generation. People can know more about Huaning county through these pieces, which are made out of natural minerals," says Cao, applauding his grandmother's efforts to continue this culture.

During the first Yunnan Cultural Industry Expo that concluded in mid-August, visitors had another chance to feast their eyes on the carefully made pottery.

"As long as I can breathe, I will teach anyone who wants to learn and carry on the craft," says Li. "It matters most that the pottery must be alive, and not stay in the museum."

Li Yingqing and Guo Anfei contributed to the story.