Orchids, bamboo, plum, and chrysanthemums are described as gentlemen with noble and unsullied characters in traditional Chinese literature. As subjects of artworks, they are also held in high esteem among Chinese.

In fact, late Chairman Mao Zedong's favorite of the four floral spirits is not only found in his many poems but also on the utensils he used, including the porcelain products made exclusively for him, known as Mao Ci or "Chairman Mao porcelain".

On 13th,Oct, a set of four porcelain vases featuring the four plants and reproduced from Mao Ci, were unveiled at the Capital Museum as new Olympic licensed products. The ceremony was held 300 days prior to the 2008 Olympic Games and it was observed by Mao Xinyu, grandson of Chairman Mao.

"It is my great honor to unveil the four vases. Mao Ci was born in Hunan Province which is my grandfather's hometown. Today, I am happy the traditional craftsmanship which accompanied my grandfather for years, can be re-developed for the 2008 Olympic Games," Mao said.

Technically speaking, Mao Ci is a kind of renaissance in Chinese ceramic-making history, marking many breakthroughs in the field.

"I hope Mao Ci can be seen by more people around the world which would help deepen the understanding of China's splendid porcelain making history," says Mao Xinyu, the son of Mao Anqing, second son of Mao Zedong.

Mao Ci was first produced in 1975 and was also known as "7501" ceremic product. To produce high quality porcelain items, experts in Hunan and Jiangxi provinces engaged in intense research for years and created the so-called Red Guan Yao (red government official kiln). Their success came in late 1975. The set of white porcelain pieces produced at that time were painted in light red patterns, such as plum blossom, which were Chairman Mao's favorite flower.

All the products made in 1975 were sent to Beijing. Some items of inferior quality were given as souvenirs to those who had worked to make them. Later, these articles began to appear in the market. At auction, most of the "7501" pieces have been sold for high prices. A single cup could fetch 600,000 yuan (80,000 U.S. dollars).

Tags：Ci   Mao   Unveiled   Museum   Capital