Some stories travel farther than the people who create them.
Over a century ago, handcrafted ceramic tiles by Wu Jinhe, a master tile maker from Chaozhou, journeyed from China to Europe. Each tile carried more than beautiful craftsmanship—it preserved moments of everyday life, folklore, and the artistic spirit of a generation. Today, some of these remarkable works remain part of the permanent ceramic collection at London's Victoria & Albert Museum.
Original tiles made by Wu Jinhe and Dutch Tiles of the 20th Century with images of the Far East by Jan Pluis (Author)
Recently, our founder Jeff had the privilege of bringing a collection of these original 1920s tiles back to their hometown in Chaozhou. The mission was simple but meaningful: reconnect forgotten heritage with the community where it began and help preserve this traditional hand-painted ceramic craft for future generations.
Photo： Jessie, Jeff, Xuan Wu and Ling
What happened next reminded us why craftsmanship is ultimately about people.
While working with local museums and artisans, we discovered that one of our own supply-chain partners was, in fact, a direct descendant of Wu Jinhe. The reunion became more than a project—it became a homecoming. Together, we returned the tiles to the family, who welcomed them with gratitude and renewed commitment to preserving their heritage.
This experience reflects what we believe at Phiora House:
Great design isn't only about creating beautiful products. It's about preserving stories, building relationships, and connecting cultures through craftsmanship.
Today, we continue collaborating with artisan families across generations, learning traditional techniques while developing contemporary collections that are made to last. Our design team recently worked alongside Wu Jinhe's great-great-grandson, creating new ceramic pieces inspired by both heritage and modern living.
Photo： Steve Wu, Angela and Ling
For Our Design & Business Partners
If you're an interior designer, architect, hospitality group, retailer, gallery, or brand looking for products with genuine provenance, we'd love to collaborate.
Our collections offer more than handcrafted ceramics and lighting—they bring authentic stories that resonate with customers seeking meaningful design.
Whether you're sourcing for boutique hotels, curated retail spaces, luxury residences, or cultural exhibitions, we're here to help you create spaces that people remember.
Bespoke lithophanes candle holder for Odiham
Let's build something meaningful together.
Contact our product development team to discuss collaborations, bespoke projects, or curated collections.
Because every handcrafted piece carries a story—and every partnership creates a new chapter.
