Yingjisha Pottery Village: Millennia of Uyghur Craftsmanship Sculpted from Earth

1.Yingjisha Pottery: Village, located on the western edge of the Tarim Basin in Yingjisha County, Kashgar, is a living sanctuary where the ancient interplay of earth and fire persists. Known as a "living fossil" of Xinjiang's pottery history, the village preserves a craft that has been passed down through generations of Uyghur families for over a thousand years. This traditional village is not merely a commercial site but a profound cultural space where raw earth architecture and artisanal heritage merge into the daily rhythm of life.

Historically, this region served as a vital node on the Ancient Silk Road, acting as a crossroads for Eastern and Western civilizations. The pottery produced here reflects a unique blend of Central Plains techniques and Central Asian aesthetic influences. The craft is so significant that it has been included in China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Walking through the village, visitors can smell the scent of damp earth and wood-fired kilns, while the sound of the potter's wheel provides a rhythmic backdrop to the quiet alleys.

2.The pottery of: Yingjisha is celebrated for its primitive authenticity. Using local gray-black soil mixed with botanical dyes and fired in traditional earthen kilns, the artisans create pieces characterized by their vibrant emerald greens, earthy yellows, and intricate floral patterns. These vessels, ranging from the functional "Aibawa" (hand-washing vessels) to elaborate decorative plates, are deeply integrated into Uyghur social customs and religious life. Visiting the village offers a rare opportunity to see these "living artifacts" being created in the very homes where the craft was born.