Drifting Towards the Periphery

This thesis focuses on the recent new wave of "Jing Drifters," which represents a trend in outmigration from firsttier cities in pursuit of a better quality of life. Set against the broader backdrop of China's contemporary affluent society, this thesis uses lingdezhen as an illustrative example to scrutinize recent urban migration trends,and aims to provide viable infrastructural supportfor future migrants.

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The "New Jing Drifters" emerged in the 2010s, with a continuous increase in their numbers, peaking in 2016. Preceding the New Jing Drifters was a historical precursor known as the "Old Jing Drifters." The first generation of Old Jing Drifters emerged at the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907)when northern kiln workers migrated to Jingdezhen to escape warfare. Reached its peak during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing(1616-1912) Dynasties, with the establishment of the imperial ceramic factory and the flourishing of the ceramic industry. This first waves of migrants established firm roots in Jingdezhen and evolved into groups that controlled various aspects of ceramic production. Conversely,the New ling Drifters, characterized by their vulnerability and instability, experience brief periods of moblity. Their rapid influx into Jingdezhen is typically followed by a swift outflow, with few managing to establish roots here.

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This study makes the distinction between the New and Old ling Drifters as its starting point.The formation process of Jingdezhen is illustrated through the mapping of the settlement patterns of the Old ling Drfters,depicting their journey from initialentry to eventual establishment. It elucidates organized ceramic production, and how commercial as well as social activities have influenced the spatial configuration of Jingdezhen. Meanwhile, the status of the New Jing Drifters is assessed through four semi-structured interviews, comprising a descendant of the Old Jing Drifters, two New Jjing Drifters, and a long time resident of Sanbao Village to offer an external, third-party viewpoint regarding this migration phenomenon.

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Drawing from literature review, the Old Jing Drifters, upon arriving in Jingdezhen,expeditiously forged geographical and occupational ties via theestablishment of guilds and the creation of dedicated physical locales such as guild halls. These faclitated their settlement in the region.Even after the guilds were dismantled, the old Jing Drifters managed to preserve their community ties. In contrast, the New Jing Drifters experience isolation and reside in predominantly residential quarters,often lacking the social connections their predecessors had, despite the area's heritage legacy and a renowned ceramic arts insttution.The reasons for their leaving are deficits in technical skills, sustained economic income and social connections.Additionally, there is limited substantial interaction between the Old Jing Drifters,who possess traditional ceramic-making skills, and the New Jing Drifters.

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In conclusion, this thesis endeavors to restore the unique geographical and industry-based connections, utilizing them as a potential means to fostering connections between the Old and New Jing Drifters, to counteract the vulnerabilties and instabilities of the New Jing Drifters as well as to develop an integrated craft industry with comprehensive infrastructure in response to contemporary in-migration demands.

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Keywords: Jing Drifters, ceramic craft,in-migration, heritage revival, arts-led revitalization