Inspired by the landscape art of ancient China, Qu Hanlin tends to convey a sense of tranquility and contentment through clay. Photo: Qu Hanlin

Qu’s artworks are on display at a homestay owned by his friend. Photo: Qu Hanlin

Unlike potteries with fine-grained and smooth bodies, Qu’s works appear raw. Photo: Qu Hanlin

Around three years ago, Qu started to use the “twisted colored body” technique to create potteries that look like ancient artifacts. Photo: Qu Hanlin

The “twisted colored body” technique mixes two or more clays of different colors to form patterns on the pottery. Photo: Qu Hanlin

A goblet made by Qu. Photo: Qu Hanlin

For Qu, the pottery-creating process is relaxing and keeps him closer to reality. Photo: Qu Hanlin

A piece of pottery made by Qu. The artist uses thin nails to fix cracks in the pottery. Photo: Qu Hanlin

A detailed view of a rifted vase made by Qu. Photo: Qu Hanlin

Qu’s works are displayed on wooden tables. The artist even uses crude mud, which is disliked by others, according to his needs. Photo: Qu Hanlin

A self-portrait of Qu. Photo: Qu Hanlin

Qu works in his studio in Jingdezhen, East China’s Jiangxi province. Photo: Qu Hanlin

Qu in his studio in Jingdezhen, East China’s Jiangxi province. Photo: Qu Hanlin