Innovating Tradition: Integrating Song Dynasty Ru Ware Aesthetics into Contemporary Ceramic Design

S. Bin; S. M. M. Ishak; N. Shaari; V. Perumal

doi:10.53797/icccmjssh.v4i4.2.2025

Authors

S. Bin Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 55100, MALAYSIA
S. M. M. Ishak Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 55100, MALAYSIA
N. Shaari Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 55100, MALAYSIA
V. Perumal Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 55100, MALAYSIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53797/icccmjssh.v4i4.2.2025

Keywords:

Ru porcelain, song dynasty, cultural heritage, ceramic design, design innovation, intangible aesthetics, traditional-to-modern transition

Abstract

This study explores the core aesthetic principles of Song Dynasty Ru porcelain and their integration into contemporary ceramic design. As a symbol of China’s intangible cultural heritage, Ru porcelain embodies significant visual and philosophical meanings. Through ethnographic research and expert interviews with ceramic designers and scholars, a practical framework is proposed to incorporate Ru porcelain aesthetics into modern creative processes, as illustrated in Fig. 1, which shows the application of Ru porcelain identity guidelines during the collaborative design process. Through ethnographic research and expert interviews with ceramic designers and scholars, a practical framework is proposed to incorporate Ru porcelain aesthetics into modern creative processes. The study identifies key elements of Ru porcelain's aesthetic identity and examines how these elements are translated into new ceramic works through form, glaze, and symbolism. The results suggest that embracing traditional design not only preserves cultural heritage but also fosters creativity and adds market value in the contemporary design industry.

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