Identity Navigation and Self-Positioning in a Changing Craft World: Creativity and Cultures of Emerging Self-Employed Craft Workers in Jingdezhen

Emerging self-employed craft workers in Jingdezhen, China, navigate identity and creativity within a rapidly evolving craft industry, blending traditional techniques with contemporary demands. This study reveals how these artisans position themselves culturally and professionally, often drawing on subcultural values and alternative lifestyles to assert authenticity amid decentralization. The research employs qualitative methods, including interviews and ethnographic observations, to explore the intersection of self-employment and cultural production in a developing context. Findings highlight the tension between preserving craftsmanship heritage and adapting to market-driven changes, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of Jingdezhen's porcelain industry.

Liu, R. (2023). Identity Navigation and Self-Positioning in a Changing Craft World: Creativity and Cultures of Emerging Self-Employed Craft Workers in Jingdezhen. The Journal of Modern Craft, 16(2-3), 135–154. https://doi.org/10.1080/17496772.2023.2269671