Cultural Resource Management of the Jingdezhen Ceramics Industry: A Study of Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China

Abstract

This article focuses on cultural resource management and its impact on the production of Jingdezhen ceramics. Data were collected through participant observation. The time period studied consisted of two phases: the past (from the late Ming dynasty to the early Qing dynasty) and the present (2012). The study found that the Jingdezhen ceramics industry in the past focused on cultural resource management that emphasized only production and commerce. Nowadays, however, there are additional types of management which focus on providing knowledge as well as on developing cultural resources that support the Jingdezhen ceramics industry in becoming a part of the tourism industry. Moreover, various types of management have also been able to promote Jingdezhen ceramics to become a significant cultural resource that creates both value and self-esteem in society.