One of the oldest and most iconic Chinese crafts is the creation of blue-and-white porcelain. The origins of this technique, which involves decorating white porcelain with a blue pigment, likely trace back to the 9th century in the Middle East, but its greatest development occurred in China during the 16th century. Over the centuries, Chinese porcelain has influenced the manufacturing and craftsmanship of many other countries and cultures, yet it remains a symbol of China to this day, much like azulejos are for Portugal.
But what happens when this technique meets urban culture and street art? The answer lies in Nut’s murals.
Nut is a young Chinese street artist who, after experimenting with creating objects and sculptures, transitioned to street art, developing a style that pays homage to his country’s culture.
Nut’s favorite subjects are animals imbued with strong symbolism, such as tigers, panthers, eagles, and cranes. What truly takes your breath away is how he chooses to depict them. Against completely black backgrounds, these animals stand out, their fur or feathers giving way to a white surface decorated in blue. As a result, the cities where Nut works and creates become filled with porcelain beasts that seem ready to take flight or leap toward us.
Whether viewed from afar or up close, these artworks faithfully reproduce the ancient Chinese technique, including the characteristic reflections on the glossy surface.
