For thousands of years, one of the most revered arts in China has been porcelain making. Porcelain makers have created numerous works that appear transcendent, technically and aesthetically. An exhibition in Shanghai, Monday offered people of today a glimpse of how the traditional art has evolved.

This is an assembly of Jing Cai Ci, which means crystal glaze porcelain. It first appeared in the early 1990s. The most skilled Chinese craftsmen took years to create it.

The process for making these pieces is protected by seven glaze patents. The surface of the porcelain reflects a diversity of appearance as it is observed from different angles. From the front, the appearance resembles brocade, from the side, velvet. The new technology revolution has created works more exquisite than many from the past.

All are hand painted. The patterns of Jing Cai Ci are based on traditional Chinese painting masterpieces or imperial drawings.

New and complex techniques are applied in creating this new evolution of porcelain art. This vase called "Peacock and Peony" required seven procedures. The vase called "Longevity" has been collected by the Los Angeles Asian Arts Museum, as its first modern art treasure. Jing Cai Ci, blending ancient Chinese painting and modern technology has achieved a great breakthrough in porcelain art.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge. It runs until December 20.