China › The Nwang Choepel Fellowship Program
From October 2012 to 2014, we implemented the “Nixi Tibetan Cultural Preservation and Economic Empowerment” project, funded by the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This initiative aimed to preserve the Nixi Black Pottery tradition while enhancing economic opportunities and promoting environmental conservation in Tibetan communities. Under the leadership of international ceramics expert Kathy Erteman and with local support, the project successfully upgraded pottery designs, improved techniques, and expanded market reach for this ancient craft.
Key Achievements:
Established partnerships with the Eastern Tibet Training Institute, Shangri-la Handcraft Center, and the Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen to enhance economic opportunities and market access for Nixi potters.
Built an eco-effective kiln in Tandui Village to enable the firing of larger quantities of pottery.
Conducted a capacity-building and design workshop in Jingdezhen, resulting in more than 30 new product designs and training 40 Nixi potters in porcelain inlay techniques.
Produced 40 Tibetan Design Handbooks featuring 30 pages of design motifs based on Robert Beers' “Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs.”
Organized packing and shipping workshops and facilitated a cultural exchange program in the US, where 5 Nixi potters demonstrated their techniques, sold over 150 pots, and engaged with over 200 US potters.
Donor: US State Department
Start Date: October 2012
End Date: October 2014
Number of Beneficiaries: 40 Artisans
Training Hours: 10,776
