This report considers the position of material-based disciplines in Shanghai, focusing on ceramics and glass as case studies. It notes the existence of educational programmes for both materials taught in terms of studio practice, but also the absence of an infrastructure in the city that can support early career creative practitioners wanting to focus in these materials. Ceramics practitioners face conceptual barriers with respect to the material as embodying Chinese intangible heritage and financial obstacles in the form of low-margin retailing combined with the extensive production facilities of specialist ceramics production centres. In contrast, due to the lack of historical precedents, glass practitioners do not suffer the same burden and have a potential advocate in the Shanghai Museum of Glass, which presents a range of contemporary glass sculptural works.