"China", another name for fine porcelain, with a dainty, nostalgic feel speaks to the prominent position China once held in the craft. And to many, the name "Jingdezhen" in particular is synonymous with the pentacle in expert craftsmanship. For centuries, the small town monopolized the making of porcelain products for the Imperial household. Last weekend, the East China town opened an international expo to show off the latest trends in its age-old specialty.

Photo taken on Oct. 18, 2009 shows a blue-and-white porcelain clock on shown at the exhibition hall of 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province. The 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair kicked off here on Oct. 18.

The 2009 Jingdezhen International Porcelain Expo is putting its focus on the high-tech products made of ceramics. The star item on exhibit is the nanometer kitchen knife set. With superb hardness and sharpness far surpassing their steel cousins, these porcelain knives represent a breakthrough in the application of new materials.

Visitors tour the exhibition hall of 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province, Oct. 18, 2009. The 2009 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair kicked off here on Oct. 18.