Gu Shaopei

Gu Shaopei, born in 1945 into a family of ceramic artisans, attained the title of Senior Master in 2005 and was named a Chinese Arts and Crafts Master in 2006 (the fifth edition). He began his studies at Yixing Ceramics High School in 1958 and later apprenticed under the esteemed Chen Fuyuan. Subsequently, he received mentorship from the renowned arts and crafts master Gu Jingzhou. Gu Shaopei has dedicated over forty years to the zisha craft, delving deeply into the techniques of various masters, synthesizing their essence, and integrating his unique artistic style. His journey in the realm of zisha art now spans more than 50 years.Gu Shaopei, born in 1945 into a family of ceramic artisans, attained the title of Senior Master in 2005 and was named a Chinese Arts and Crafts Master in 2006 (the fifth edition). He began his studies at Yixing Ceramics High School in 1958 and later apprenticed under the esteemed Chen Fuyuan. Subsequently, he received mentorship from the renowned arts and crafts master Gu Jingzhou. Gu Shaopei has dedicated over forty years to the zisha craft, delving deeply into the techniques of various masters, synthesizing their essence, and integrating his unique artistic style. His journey in the realm of zisha art now spans more than 50 years.

Throughout his career, Gu Shaopei has created numerous zisha artworks, winning provincial and national awards 18 times. In 1985, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions honored him with the title of "National Excellent Science and Technology Worker" and the "May 1st Labor Medal." He has also participated in numerous international academic exchanges on zisha culture.
In 1989, he served as Deputy Chief Craftsman of the Jiangsu Yixing Zisha Craft Factory, Deputy Director of the Research Institute, and Chief Craftsman of Yixing Jinda Ceramics Co., Ltd. He conducted academic exchanges and demonstrations in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Currently, he is a member of the Zisha New Products Appraisal Committee of the China Zisha Museum and a master of arts and crafts.
In 1997, he was awarded the title of "Jiangsu Province Arts and Crafts Master." His "Gu's Eight-Style Mini Round Teapots" and "Yangyu Handle Teapot" won gold medals at the Second and Third China Arts and Crafts Masters Exposition at the West Lake Expo in 2001. In 2006, he was recognized as a "Chinese Arts and Crafts Master." His zisha works have garnered numerous awards domestically and internationally, including the "Bai Shou Vase," which won a gold medal at the Leipzig International Expo in Germany.

"Capturing shadows and lines" is Gu Shaopei's unique specialty in creating zisha works. He believes that mastering and skillfully utilizing lines brings vitality to the pieces. Lines convey rich emotions: vertical lines express ascension, seriousness, and uprightness; horizontal lines denote stability and solemnity; curves are gentle and slow, full and soft; parabolas suggest a sense of flow; hyperbolas show symmetrical beauty; and freeform lines evoke freedom and richness. Besides visible lines, there is an invisible "lifeline" in every creation. To utilize lines effectively, Gu Shaopei has been continually exploring since he began his career in zisha art. He carefully observes the lines in everything he encounters, even in a leaf, seeing how its lines appear strong when it is full of life. With this unique understanding, he continuously experiments and innovates, using lines to break the traditional mold of "square is square, round is round." He creates pieces that combine elements of both shapes, balancing rigidity and softness, infusing them with personality and flair.
Display ceramics are primarily for appreciation, and Gu Shaopei emphasizes the relationship between the artwork, indoor space, and the environment. His design philosophy centers on "people first, objects for people," considering the interaction between people, objects, and the environment. This approach makes his display ceramics not only exquisite artworks but also integral parts of the surrounding space. Using just his eyes to gauge the space and environment and his hands to measure, he sketches out the shadow of a display ceramic piece. This skill has earned him the reputation of a master in "capturing shadows and lines." Many of his display ceramics remain timeless masterpieces, thanks to their well-executed lines and shapes.

Gu Shaopei often seeks unique paths in his ceramic creations. When he apprenticed at the Yixing Zisha Craft Factory in 1958, he focused on making teapots. From 1965 to 1975, he shifted his focus to designing flowerpots. Starting in 1975, he turned his attention to zisha vases. Although there have been some zisha vases in history, they were rare, especially after the Cultural Revolution. Sensing that these art pieces would gain popularity as people's living standards improved, he created zisha vases that were generally elegant, with some exuding a rugged, heroic charm and others appearing as delicate as a graceful maiden. In 1979, his creation of the large "Bai Shou Vase," noted for its balance, solemnity, and dynamic stillness, was collected as a treasure by the Ziguangge Pavilion in Beijing's Zhongnanhai. This vase won a gold medal at the 1984 Leipzig International Expo in Germany.
As a zisha artist, Gu Shaopei embodies relentless pursuit, tenacious effort, and selfless dedication. Over the years, his ceramics skills have continuously improved, yet he seldom sought personal gain from his art, instead pouring his heart and sweat into the factory's clay.
Starting at age 38, Gu Shaopei began mentoring apprentices, imparting his extensive knowledge and skills. He developed seven training principles, such as combining key points with foundational knowledge and integrating demonstration with self-practice. "In art, one should learn from the past and pave the way for future generations" is a phrase he often repeats, reflecting his dedication to teaching. Many of his apprentices have become senior arts and crafts artists.
Today, as a Chinese Arts and Crafts Master, Gu Shaopei continues his relentless climb in the world of zisha art. On April 7, 2009, after years of meticulous preparation, the "Gu Shaopei Zisha Art Museum" finally opened. The museum displays his zisha works from the 1950s to the present, showcasing his various periods of creation. Through this, he hopes to further promote zisha art and inspire future generations to surpass him in this artistic field.