A practical workflow from purchase and kiln timing to double-box packing, airline baggage and international shipping, designed to reduce breakage and unclear responsibility.
Ask five questions before buying or making
Confirm size, weight, material, whether firing is complete, and whether an itemized receipt is available. For DIY work, also confirm kiln turnaround, failure or warping risk, collection, storage deadline and shipping charge. Jingdezhen's living ceramic ecosystem includes many independent studios with different rules.
Responsibility becomes unclear when shipping is arranged only after leaving. Before payment, record packing standard, carrier, insurance, breakage claim process and possible destination taxes in the order or message thread.
Cabin, checked baggage or courier
Small valuable work may suit cabin baggage only if airline size, weight and security rules permit. Larger pieces normally require checked baggage or courier service. A fragile sticker is not a compensation promise, and loose ceramics should never be placed directly in a soft suitcase.
Wrap with soft cushioning, stabilize hollow spaces and place the piece in a strong inner box. Cushion that box inside a second outer box. Separate multiple pieces and protect lids, handles, narrow necks and projections individually.
Recheck every international shipment
Ask the carrier whether the destination accepts the parcel, how to declare description and value, size and weight limits, insurance, duties and final delivery. Antiques, suspected cultural relics, unusual materials or objects without clear provenance cannot be treated as ordinary souvenirs.
Keep receipts, object photos, packing photos and the airway bill. A multilingual guide may help with studio communication, but customs, airline and carrier rules in force on the day control the shipment.