{"meta":{"version":"2.1","_links":{"self":{"href":"https://api.vam.ac.uk/v2/object/O1793799"},"collection_page":{"href":"https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1793799/"}},"images":{"_primary_thumbnail":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2025PH8506/full/!100,100/0/default.jpg","_iiif_image":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2025PH8506/","_alt_iiif_image":[],"imageResolution":"low","_images_meta":[{"assetRef":"2025PH8506","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2025PH8505","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false},{"assetRef":"2025PH8507","copyright":"© Victoria and Albert Museum, London","sensitiveImage":false}]},"see_also":null},"record":{"systemNumber":"O1793799","accessionNumber":"FE.85-2025","objectType":"Jar","titles":[],"summaryDescription":"The<i> </i><i>Imitation Imitation</i> series originated as part of Hao Zhenhan’s MA project, where he explored the practice of imitation in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. By focusing on two key hubs of imitation - porcelain production in Jingdezhen and oil painting in Dafen Village, Shenzhen, Hao revisits the nuanced relationship between imitation and creativity within the arts and crafts industry, situating it within a global context. In Jingdezhen, Hao Zhenhan conducted an in-depth study of the fangguqi industry, where artisans produce wares that imitate antiquities. He explored how craftsmanship is passed down in traditional workshops, interviewing both craftspeople and local residents.\n\nPorcelain wares in the <i>Imitation Imitation</i>series were made in a process which involved: purchasing a gourd vase of the traditional style, breaking it into multiple fragments, and distributing 10 fragments to master wheel-throwers. Each wheel-thrower was tasked with creating a new vessel inspired by the fragment they received, blending imitation with personal imagination. The finished vessels were then passed on to 10 master porcelain painters or carvers, who were asked to decorate the vessels according to a specific brief rooted in the traditions of Jingdezhen’s ceramic industry.\n\n<i>Our Gods</i> was created by wheel thrower Huang and carver Chai. This jar features intricate carvings depicting the production of figurines of popular gods and deities in Jingdezhen. On one side, there is a line-up of religious and political icons. The other side shows scenes of production, including a potter working on a large Guandi statue with an electric fan nearby, and figurines of Guanyin and Zhong Kui being wheeled on a cart, satirical imagery that portrays Jingdezhen as the hub of porcelain icons. \n \nHao Zhenhan’s work highlights the vital yet often overlooked role of local potters in Jingdezhen’s contemporary craft community. While these artisans are known for producing traditional wares, they also provide crucial technical support to contemporary ceramicists, solidifying Jingdezhen’s status as a hub for artistic innovation. Through his work, the artist not only addresses the theme of imitation but also creates a physical record of the lives and work of the local potters, preserving their contributions to Jingdezhen’s legacy.","physicalDescription":"","artistMakerPerson":[],"artistMakerOrganisations":[],"artistMakerPeople":[],"materials":[],"techniques":[],"materialsAndTechniques":"","categories":[{"text":"Sculpture","id":"THES48896"},{"text":"Ceramics","id":"THES48982"}],"styles":[],"collectionCode":{"text":"EAS","id":"THES48596"},"images":["2025PH8506","2025PH8505","2025PH8507"],"imageResolution":"low","galleryLocations":[{"current":{"text":"146","id":"THES49092"},"free":"","case":"CA","shelf":"","box":""}],"partTypes":[[{"text":"Jar","id":"AAT195347"}]],"contentWarnings":[{"apprise":"","note":""}],"placesOfOrigin":[{"place":{"text":"Jingdezhen","id":"x32230"},"association":{"text":"","id":""},"note":""},{"place":{"text":"China","id":"x29398"},"association":{"text":"","id":""},"note":""}],"productionDates":[{"date":{"text":"2016","earliest":"2016-01-01","latest":"2016-12-31"},"association":{"text":"","id":""},"note":""}],"associatedObjects":[],"creditLine":"Given by Andy Hei","dimensions":[{"dimension":"Height","value":"35","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Diameter","value":"40","unit":"cm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""}],"dimensionsNote":"","marksAndInscriptions":[],"objectHistory":"","historicalContext":"","briefDescription":"'Our Gods', jar, from the 'Imitation' series, porcelain with carved decoration, by Hao Zhenhan (b.1988),  Jingdezhen, China, 2016. 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