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Zhu Kexin (October 1904 - March 26, 1986), whose artistic name Kexin means "those who are humble can be taught," was a renowned Zisha master. At the age of 15, he apprenticed under Wang Shengyi and formed a close bond with Wu Yungen and Wang Baogen. Zhu was known for his humility, eagerness to learn, and innovative approach to pottery. His talent became apparent early on, and in 1927, through Wu Yungen’s recommendation, he was hired by the Jiangsu Provincial Yixing Ceramic Vocational Party School as a kiln technician, where he created Zisha coffee sets.
In 1932, he designed and crafted the "Yunlong Ding," an 84 cm high tripod, which won a special award at the Centennial Chicago World's Fair. His work “Zhu Ding" was later exhibited in Shanghai and was acquired by Soong Ching-ling for 500 pounds. Due to his outstanding skills, Zhu was promoted to the position of technician. During the eight-year War of Resistance, the school was temporarily closed, but Zhu resumed his role as an artisan instructor when it reopened in 1945.
In December 1953, Zhu was invited to participate in the Ministry of Culture's "National Folk Artists Exhibition," where he showcased his "Yunlong Teapot" and "Round Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Blossom Teapot." Despite not having his tools, he skillfully crafted a plum blossom pen holder using bamboo and copper pens, impressing onlookers and earning awards from the Ministry of Culture.
In the summer of 1954, Zhu attended a folk-art research class at the East China Branch of the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts, where he studied under famous artists like Huang Binhong and Pan Tianshou. This experience broadened his horizons and enhanced his artistic skills, significantly influencing his later Zisha creations. After the course, Zhu helped organize dispersed Zisha artisans into the "Shushan Cooperative Zisha Workshop," where he served as deputy director.
In 1955, Zhu and several other artists established the "Zisha Craft Class," training the first generation of culturally educated Zisha artisans in New China. He also fulfilled national orders and client commissions.
By 1956, Zhu was appointed as a Zisha molding technique instructor. His designs, including the "Round Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Blossom Teapot," "Squirrel and Grape Teapot", and” Fanggu Zhuti" were exhibited in the "China Arts and Crafts Touring Exhibition" and won first prizes. These works are now housed in the Nanjing Museum.
In 1957, Zhu attended the National Folk Artists Representative Conference with Ren Ganting and Gu Jingzhou. The following year, he participated in the "First National Arts and Crafts Exhibition" at the Gate Tower of the Beijing Forbidden City, where his "Squirrel and Grape Teapot" was highly praised and collected by Professor Gao Zhuang of the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts. Zhu also took part in the discussion for Beijing's top ten buildings and designed Zisha tea sets.
In 1964, Zhu accurately replicated Chen Mingyuan's "Baggage Teapot," achieving such a high level of skill that it was indistinguishable from the original. His masterpiece, the "Keshou Teapot," was gifted to General Xu Haidong and Chairman Mao.
In the early 1970s, Zhu continued to create Zisha pottery with dedication, designing the "Colorful Persimmon Teapot," "Colorful Butterfly Teapot," "Tall Teapot," "Spring Herald Teapot," "Sturdy Pine Teapot," and "Green Pine Teapot." In 1973, he innovated a new teapot shape with multiple decorations, such as pine, plum blossom, ancient cypress, and peach, which were well received by both Chinese and international audiences. His meticulously crafted "Kexin Pear-shaped Teapot" was selected as a state gift for Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka.
In 1978, Zhu was recognized as a Master of Arts and Crafts and held various positions, including Jiangsu Province Cultural Committee member and Yixing CPPCC Standing Committee member. At the 1978 National Ceramic Art Creation and Design Conference in Shanghai, he made his final work, the "Han Bian Teapot."
Zhu Kexin's artistic achievements were profound, with strong design capabilities and an ability to draw inspiration from nature. His early work, the "Yunlong Teapot," featured ever-changing summer clouds, and his "Round Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Blossom Teapot" broke away from traditional forms to achieve simplicity and practicality. His later masterpiece, the "Colorful Butterfly Teapot," was noted for its novel concept and elegance. Zhu tirelessly nurtured many talented Zisha artists, significantly elevating the overall craftsmanship of Zisha pottery.
