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Introduction
Gu Jingzhou (1915-1996), hailing from Chuanbu, Yixing, was a grandmaster of Zisha pottery and a Chinese master of Arts and Crafts. His original name was Jingzhou, also known as Manxi, Shouping, Wuling Yiren, and Jingnan Shanqiao. Born in 1915 into a family of pottery artisans in Shangyuan Village, Chuanbu, he began learning the craft from his grandmother at the age of 18. By his twenties, he had already made a name for himself in the industry. He later moved to Shanghai to engage in the reproduction of antique Zisha teapots, imitating works by Ming and Qing dynasty masters such as Chen Mingyuan. This experience greatly enhanced his vision and skills. In 1954, he actively participated in the establishment of the Tangdu Pottery Production Cooperative's Zisha production factory. In 1983, he became the director of the "Zisha Research Institute," nurturing many talented Zisha artists.
Gu Jingzhou had a profound literary and artistic background and was well-versed in pottery techniques. He had unique insights into the history of Zisha, the appraisal of antique pieces, and dating techniques, and he published several papers and monographs. Known for his innovative yet classical style, his works were exquisite and elegant, characterized by robust and rigorous forms, smooth and harmonious lines, and a strong oriental artistic flavor. His pieces were highly sought after by collectors and museums both domestically and internationally. Gu Jingzhou's achievements in teapot craftsmanship were highly acclaimed, earning him the title of "Grandmaster of Teapot Art" in the art world.
Life of Gu Jingzhou
In 1915, Gu Jingzhou was born in Shangyuan Village, Ding Shu Town, Yixing City. In 1932, he began learning teapot-making skills from his grandmother, Shao Shi, and initially used the seals "Moyuan Zhai," "Moyuan Zhai Yitang Zhi," "Gu Shi," and "Jing Ji." In 1934, at the invitation of his father, Gu Bingrong, the famous “Yang Tong” teapot maker Chu Ming became a guest instructor at their home, creating teapots like "Yang Tong" "Duo Qiu," and "Ruyi Fanggu." Gu Jingzhou studied and honed his skills alongside him, and by the age of twenty, he had already become a notable figure in the Zisha teapot community.
In 1936, Gu Jingzhou was hired by antique dealer Lang Yushu's "Lang's Art Garden" in Shanghai, specializing in reproducing ancient pottery. During this period, he imitated works by renowned Ming and Qing teapot masters such as Chen Mingyuan and Shao Daheng, which significantly broadened his horizons and advanced his skills. Through imitation and reproduction, his craftsmanship became more refined and systematic, covering a wide range of Zisha forms, including round and square shapes, natural forms, and pottery carvings. Some of his reproductions even surpassed the quality of the originals.
In 1948, Gu Jingzhou traveled between Shanghai and Yixing, forming friendships with artists like Dai Xiangming, Wu Hufan, and Tang Yun. He changed his name to Jingzhou, likening himself to a boat in the sea of art. He meticulously crafted five "Shi Piao" teapots, which were decorated by Shanghai painters and calligraphers Wu Hufan and Jiang Hanting. He kept one for himself and gave the other four to Dai Xiangming, Jiang Hanting, Tang Yun, and Wu Hufan.
In 1955, Gu Jingzhou served as a production committee member and technical advisor at the Zisha Craft Factory. He, along with Zhu Kexin, Ren Ganting, Pei Shimin, Wu Yungen, Wang Yinchun, and Jiang Rong, were known as the "The Seven Grandmasters of Yixing Pottery." Talents such as Gao Haigeng, Li Changhong, Shen Quhua, and Shu Fengying learned their craft from Gu Jingzhou.
Gu’s Masterpieces at International Auctions
“Squirrel and Grape” Tea Sets
Price Realized at Auction: 89.6 million RMB
This set of squirrel and grape tea sets made by Gu Jingzhou is a tribute to New China. This work is massive, comprising one teapot, one jar, four cups, and four saucers, a total of ten pieces. The clay used is uniform in color, the design is innovative, and the craftsmanship is unique, exuding a strong sense of natural beauty. Combining various techniques, it can be described as a masterpiece of extraordinary ingenuity. The rarity of having a complete set of ten pieces makes it an unparalleled example of Gu Jingzhou's teapot creations.
Gu Jingzhou's "Hufan Shi Piao"
Price Realized at Auction: 28.175 million RMB
This is one of the five legendary “Shi Piao” teapots made by Gu Jingzhou, formerly owned by Wu Hufan. One side of the teapot body is inscribed with the poem: "Savoring the delicate fragrance of plum blossom on a snowy day, brother Hanting painted a teapot for me, and I inscribed it myself." The other side is engraved with a sparrow standing on a plum branch, signed "Painted by brother Hufan, inscribed by Hanting." The calligraphy flows smoothly with a blend of softness and strength, the plum branch and sparrow drawing is vivid and expressive, with sound beyond the picture, and the engraving is strong and sharp, like writing with a knife, resonating with the sound of metal and stone.
Gu Jingzhou's "Bianfu Teapot"
Price Realized at Auction: 34.5 million RMB
This teapot is a classic masterpiece created by Gu Jingzhou in collaboration with Fan Zeng. It is meticulously made with high-quality zisha clay, featuring a rounded body, delicate texture, lustrous color, and exquisite craftsmanship. Fan Zeng's painting is engraved on the teapot body, accompanied by a poem from Tao Yuanming's "Returning to the Fields and Gardens": "Enjoying the destiny of heaven, what doubts remain, adding to the charm."
Gu Jingzhou's Calligraphy
