Chinese dinnerware used at state banquet for Mr. Trump

The dinnerware used by China to host the US delegation was produced at the renowned Jingdezhen ceramic kiln.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted US President Donald Trump at a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the evening of 14/5, with many high-ranking officials from both sides attending.

Beyond a menu featuring famous Chinese dishes like Peking duck and pan-fried pork dumplings, the dinnerware used at the state banquet also garnered attention.

The dinnerware set at Chinese President Xi Jinping's place during the state banquet at the Great Hall of the People on the evening of 14/5. *Photo: AP*

This dinnerware set, named "Bao Xiang Yun Cai", belongs to the Long Zhu Ge brand. Professor Huang Xuanmao of the Central Academy of Fine Arts collaborated with the Ceramic Culture and Tourism Group to revive the Long Zhu Ge brand. A set is valued at over 2,900 USD.

During the Ming dynasty, the imperial court established a kiln dedicated to serving the royal family in Zhou Shan, Jingdezhen, known as the "world's porcelain capital". Long Zhu Ge was the heart of this imperial kiln, bringing together exceptional artisans and the highest-level porcelain crafting techniques.

"Bao Xiang Yun Cai" is a porcelain set specifically for state banquets, introduced in 2023, and designed for the Golden Hall within Beijing's Great Hall of the People. This collection distills elements and ideas from the architectural space and decorative patterns of the Golden Hall, highlighting China's distinctive ceremonial nature: classic, graceful, and splendid.

The Bao Xiang pattern combines the beauty of lotus, peony, and chrysanthemum from traditional Chinese art. It symbolizes holiness and nobility, fitting for a space of political power. The addition of blue and pink hues to the pattern helps this product line harmonize with the Golden Hall's architectural space.

The 41-piece Bao Xiang Yun Cai dinnerware set. *Photo: X/Bonnie Winds*

"My ideal is to recreate all the classic ceramic works of Jingdezhen from various periods. I want to transform the essence of both imperial and folk ceramics into pieces that represent tradition while embodying the spirit of this era," stated Mr. Huang, an expert in ceramic design for state banquets.

"This aspiration was realized only upon meeting Tao Xi Chuan and Long Zhu Ge. I hope Long Zhu Ge can once again introduce China's long-standing historical civilization abroad, allowing the world to appreciate the diversity of Chinese culture and contribute positively to mutual learning and respect among civilizations," he added. Tao Xi Chuan is Jingdezhen's most famous center for cultural heritage preservation and ceramic innovation.

Cuong Hao, general director of Tao Yi Jingdezhen Cultural Development Company, stated that Long Zhu Ge once witnessed the cultural zenith of the imperial kiln's 600-year history and porcelain crafting techniques. "I believe this also reflects the cultural confidence deeply ingrained in Huang Xuanmao," she said.

"His involvement in reviving the Long Zhu Ge brand is precisely to inherit traditional techniques, express the ceremonial aspect of Chinese life, and simultaneously demonstrate its position on the world cultural map. That is also the mission of Long Zhu Ge," she remarked.