Shattered Canisters Carved in the Customary Manner of Ming Dynasty Porcelain

Lei Xue is a sculptor, painter, photographer, and video artist from China. In his varied collection of work, he frequently tackles the inherent contradiction between historical tradition and contemporary. Drinking Tea, a creative and humorous collection of can sculptures is one series that exemplifies this concern in the interaction between the old and the modern.

Xue created each artwork to seem like a discarded, crumpled can. The pieces, made of white porcelain with painted blue patterns and motifs are obviously influenced by Ming Dynasty goods, putting a smart, contemporary spin on classic ceramics.

Xue's choice of subject matter—drinking vessels—is based on history as is his artistic approach. “The human demand for drinking reveals itself in the outward form of the cans as well as in their design,” says Gallery Martina Deterrer. It is everlasting and will last throughout human history.” He compares our consumption of canned drinks to tea drinking during the Ming Dynasty observing similarities in the speed with which we consume and our indifference for the cups themselves.

The technique behind the porcelain cans transmits Xue's thoughts on the past and present, in addition to the style and historical background of Drinking Tea. The reimagined pieces unlike genuine cans were neither mass-produced nor created in a factory. They were totally carved and painted by hand, a technique beloved to the artist. It is a huge honor for the artist to be able to do so. More of his exquisite handcrafted sculptures may be seen on Artsy as well as the website of Gallery Martina Deterrer.

The porcelain cans that makeup Lei Xue's smart Drinking Tea collection can be seen here.