Medals of the 2026 Chinese National Swimming Championships. [Photo/Tide News]

Longquan celadon, a millennium-old Chinese ceramic art, is expanding into sectors such as sports, gaming, and kitchen appliances, redefining its modern presence.

At the 2026 Chinese National Swimming Championships, a plum-green hexagonal medal captivated audiences.

Designed by five young craftsmen from Longquan, its shape draws from Liangzhu jade cong (a type of ancient Chinese jade artifact), with tidal waves and West Lake landscapes engraved in metal — marking the first time celadon has graced a top-tier swimming event.

Longquan celadon has also made its way into basketball, rope-skipping, and snooker tournaments, becoming a distinctive symbol of honor in Zhejiang sports.

Beyond the sports arena, it has appeared on diplomatic occasions as well, including being presented as a gift to Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's prime minister, during a recent visit.

In the gaming sector, Longquan celadon has ventured into the world of digital entertainment through interactive experiences that simulate the entire pottery-making process — from clay preparation to firing — along with limited-edition collectible boxes that bring virtual experiences into physical collections.

In home appliances, the brand Vatti collaborated with celadon master Ye Xiaochun to replicate the classic celadon glaze on kitchen products.

After extensive testing, the team enhanced the material's durability and stain resistance while preserving the iconic jade-like texture, making the ancient art more suitable for daily cooking. The co-branded line became a bestseller.

Vatti also presented celadon pieces to the Spanish national soccer team ahead of the World Cup, bringing Chinese ceramic aesthetics to the global stage.