From October 17 to 21, the 2025 Beijing Intangible Cultural Heritage Week was held in grand fashion. Recommended and invited by the China Cultural Center in The Hague, renowned Dutch ceramic artist Pepijn van den Nieuwendijk became one of the highlights of the event with his original ink-inspired ceramic works that blend Eastern and Western aesthetics. His booth attracted a large number of visitors throughout the five-day exhibition, where a lively atmosphere of artistic exchange and creation prevailed.

Under the theme “Intangible Cultural Heritage and a Better Life,” this year’s Heritage Week gathered outstanding works from 61 countries and regions around the world. Van den Nieuwendijk’s booth stood out for its distinctive style — he skillfully integrates the expressive spirit of Chinese ink painting with traditional European ceramic craftsmanship, using cobalt-blue pigments to create works that are both imbued with oriental charm and modern design sensibility. This innovative artistic approach vividly embodies the essence of cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, drawing great interest from visitors and artists alike.

Notably, two ink paintings spontaneously created by Van den Nieuwendijk during the event were officially collected by the organizers of the Heritage Week for their unique artistic value and symbolic significance, marking an important moment of cross-cultural dialogue.

Van den Nieuwendijk has long-standing ties with China, having previously studied traditional ceramic techniques in Jingdezhen. As an active participant and long-time friend of the China Cultural Center in The Hague, he expressed that showcasing his artistic explorations and engaging in direct dialogue with Chinese artists and audiences at the Beijing Intangible Cultural Heritage Week allowed him to experience an artistic resonance that transcends language — something he considers the most touching and essential aspect of cultural exchange.

Van den Nieuwendijk’s successful participation exemplifies the China Cultural Center in The Hague’s ongoing efforts to promote in-depth cooperation between Chinese and Dutch artists in art and craftsmanship. The Center remains committed to building a diverse and dynamic platform for cultural exchange, encouraging joint artistic creation, and deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries.