Technical Innovations and Cultural Heritage: Creative Pursuits of the Chinese Porcelain Industry during the Republic Period (1912–1949)

The present study is dedicated to the analysis of the transformation of the Chinese porcelain industry during the Republic period (1912–1949) under the influence of Western industrialization. Traditional studies often describe this period as a "decline," ignoring the creative practices of local artisans and enterprises. Unlike traditional approaches, this study examines the technical innovations of this period and cultural synthesis. The focus is on three key areas of development in the porcelain industry. Firstly, the technological modernization is considered through the example of the Jiangxi Porcelain Company, where the introduction of mechanized production methods allowed for increased competitiveness of the products. Secondly, artistic innovations are analyzed, particularly the reforms in the "new fencai" technique developed by the "Eight Friends of Zhushan" association. Thirdly, the cultural revival is explored through the recreation of traditional Longquan celadon in private workshops. The methodological foundation of the study combines the analysis of historical documents, the examination of specific examples, and an interdisciplinary approach that merges methods from art history, the history of technology, and globalization studies. The scientific novelty of the work lies in rethinking the Republic period as an era of creative synthesis rather than decline. The implications of this period demonstrate that the Chinese porcelain industry successfully adapted to global challenges while preserving its cultural identity. Technological borrowings, such as the mechanization of production, were combined with artistic innovations in the "new fencai" technique. At the same time, the revival of traditional celadon porcelain showcased a strategy of cultural reinterpretation in response to market demand. As a result of the study, it is concluded that despite the objective constraints associated with political instability, the porcelain industry of the Republic period developed effective models for adapting traditional crafts to the conditions of early globalization. This historical experience is relevant to contemporary discussions about the balance between technological modernization and the preservation of cultural heritage.