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In the modern era of Yixing teapots, the highest achievers are referred to as the Seven Elders of Yixing Pottery. They include Wu Yungen, Zhu Kexin, Gu Jingzhou, Wang Yinchun, Ren Ganting, Pei Shimin, and Jiang Rong.In the modern era of Yixing teapots, the highest achievers are referred to as the Seven Elders of Yixing Pottery. They include Wu Yungen, Zhu Kexin, Gu Jingzhou, Wang Yinchun, Ren Ganting, Pei Shimin, and Jiang Rong.These seven monumental figures collectively form a grand celebration of Yixing pottery art, representing the legend of an era. In the current diverse landscape of Yixing pottery culture, the "Seven Elders of Yixing Pottery" maintain their immutable status.
Wu Yungen
Wu Yungen (1892-1969), originally named Zhilai, began studying Yixing pottery art at the age of 14 under the master artist Wang Shengyi. He was a senior apprentice alongside Zhu Kexin. Wu Yungen, known for his burly physique and great strength, initially made a living by carrying heavy loads. In 1915, Liyong Company introduced him to work as a technician at a pottery factory in Pingding County, Shanxi Province, for three years. In 1929, he was hired as a technician in the Ceramics Department of Nanjing Central University. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, he served as the molding technology instructor for the 56th session at Shushan Pottery Production Cooperative.After the establishment of the Yixing Teapot Factory, Wu continued to teach and create Yixing pottery art. Contemporary pottery masters like Wu Zhen and He Tingchu were among his students. The renowned Chinese art and craft master Lv Yaochen, famed for his "Lv Bamboo" and "Lv's Mud," was also a distinguished disciple.Wu Yungen's teapot style is characterized by simplicity and stability, with a notable feature of understated elegance. He was particularly skilled in creating ribbed Yixing teawares. His teapots were meticulously crafted, especially focusing on details such as the spout, shoulder, and lid, making his works nearly perfect. His pieces, including the "Large Bamboo Handle Teapot," "Hexagonal Teapot," and "Two-color Bamboo Teapot," were frequently selected for major domestic and international ceramic exhibitions. In 1932, his "Chuan Lu Teapot" won an excellence award at the Chicago Expo in the United States. Wu Yungen was not only proficient in molding techniques but also adept at building and firing kilns for Qing Dynasty-style glazed Yixing teawares that were once popular.
Zhu Kexin
Zhu Kexin (1904-1986), originally named Kaichang, chose the name "Kexin" for himself. At the age of 14, he apprenticed under Wang Shengyi. In 1931, he was hired by the Kiln Industry Department of Jiangsu Yixing Ceramic Vocational School as a teacher and also served as a technician at the experimental factory. In 1932, his creation "Yunlong Ding Teapot" participated in the Chicago Expo and won a special prize.During and after the War of Resistance, Zhu Kexin reportedly endured difficult living conditions, yet he maintained his dedication to perfection in his teapot creations, refusing to produce substandard work. In 1954, he was selected to study at the Folk Art and Craft Research Class of the East China Branch of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. After returning, he served as a supervisor at the Tangdu Pottery Production Cooperative. His works, such as the "Pine, Bamboo, and Plum BlossomTeapot" and "Bamboo Teapot," were exhibited internationally. His "Longevity Teapot" was presented successively to General Xu Haidong and Chairman Mao Zedong.Zhu Kexin's pottery works are distinguished by their "calmness and elegance." He was adept at drawing inspiration from nature and daily life. Over his lifetime, he created dozens of sets, totaling nearly a thousand pieces of Yixing teaware. Notably, the "Zhu Jie Ding" was purchased by Soong Ching-ling in Shanghai and is now housed in her former residence. The "Round Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Blossom Teapot" is part of the Nanjing Museum's collection. Zhu Kexin was also a highly effective teacher, and his disciples, such as Xu Chengquan, Wang Xiaolong, and Wu Zhen, have become leading figures in contemporary Yixing pottery art. His most renowned disciple, Wang Yinxian, is a master of Chinese arts and crafts, famous for her "Curved Teapot." In 2011, Zhu Kexin's "Bao Chun Set" fetched 370,000 yuan at a Changfeng Auction.
Gu Jingzhou
Gu Jingzhou (1915–1996), originally named Jingzhou, was also known by his early pseudonyms such as Shou Ping, Wu Ling Yiren, and Jing Nan Shan Qiao, among others. A native of Shang Yuan Village in Yixing, he came from a family of Zisha artisans and began learning the craft from his grandmother, Shao, at the age of 18.By the 1930s, he had achieved significant success and moved to Shanghai to replicate the masterpieces of renowned artists from previous dynasties. Among his replicated works, two pieces were collected by the Palace Museum and the Nanjing Museum. By the 1940s, his works were already known for their high value, often described by the saying, "An inch of pot is worth a bucket of rice." In 1954, Gu joined the Yixing Shushan Pottery Cooperative. In 1956, he was appointed as a technical instructor by the Jiangsu Provincial Government, mentoring apprentices such as Xu Hantang, Gao Haigeng, Li Changhong, and Zhou Guizhen. Xu Hantang, the brother of Xu Xiutang, was also recognized as a Master of Chinese Arts and Crafts.Gu Jingzhou deeply understood that mastery of pottery extended beyond the craft itself. For decades, he devoted himself to reading and learning, becoming a well-known figure in the field for his dedication. His extensive knowledge across various disciplines culminated in the publication of "Treasures of Yixing Zisha," a book introducing the art of Zisha to the world. In his pottery, he meticulously studied and emulated the works of famous artisans from the Ming, Qing, and Republic eras, developing a personal style that was robust, elegant, and restrained.Gu was particularly meticulous about the three-dimensional structure of his works, emphasizing the importance of points, lines, and surfaces. Every teapot he created exuded a sense of fluidity and grace. His peers would often say, "A bit more clay makes it too plum, and a bit less clay makes it too thin" highlighting the perfection of his craft. Modern potters frequently study his techniques to continually improve their own skills. Gu Jingzhou's numerous masterpieces remain influential and highly regarded.
Jiang Rong
Jiang Rong (1919–2008), also known by her alias Lin Feng, was a distinguished figure in the world of Chinese Yixing pottery. Born in Qianluo Village, Yixing, into a family steeped in the tradition of Zisha artistry, Jiang's journey in pottery began at the tender age of 11. By the time she was 20, she had moved to Shanghai under the tutelage of her renowned uncle, Jiang Yanting, a prominent Zisha artist of the Republic era. In Shanghai, Jiang honed her skills by replicating ancient teapots, quickly gaining fame for her meticulous craftsmanship. Her work included designing flower pots for the prestigious Yu Family Garden.Jiang returned to her hometown in 1947, and in 1955, she joined the Yixing Shushan Pottery Cooperative. A year later, she was recognized as the youngest member of the esteemed "Seven Great Masters." Known affectionately as "Jiang the Mentor," she trained numerous apprentices, leaving a lasting legacy. As a female artist, Jiang Rong brought a unique sensitivity to her floral-themed Zisha creations. Her works were celebrated for their vivid colors and lifelike forms, capturing the essence of nature with a charming and whimsical touch. Her artistry drew comparisons to Chen Mingyuan, the pioneering master of Qing dynasty floral Zisha ware, and she became a revered figure among modern Zisha artists.During the period of national stability, Jiang's talent flourished, producing an array of remarkable pieces. In 1958 alone, she created masterpieces such as the "Golden Melon Teapot," "Diamond-shaped Teapot," "Pumpkin Ashtray," and "Chestnut Cup." Her post-1973 creations, including the "White Lotus Wine Set," "Pipa Brush Rack," "Toad Catching Insect Water Container," and "Tree Stump Basin," showcased her ability to draw inspiration from the natural world, infusing her work with vitality and a sense of everyday life.Jiang's artistry reached new heights in 1983 with innovative works like the " Bai Shou Tree Stump Teapot," "Jade Rabbit Bowing to the Moon Teapot," "Chrysanthemum and Butterfly Teapot," "Pine Cone Teapot," and "Double Dragon Zisha Inkstone." Her "Lotus Teapot" was awarded the Special Prize at the National Industrial Conference and was chosen by Premier Zhou Enlai as a diplomatic gift during his visits to Southeast Asia. In 2010, Jiang's "Lotus Zisha Teapot Set" was auctioned in Beijing by Rong Bao, fetching an impressive 1.08 million yuan.
Ren Ganting
Ren Ganting (1889–1968), also known by his courtesy name Foushuo was a renowned "National Master Craftsman" and a member of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.Born into a scholarly family, Ren's formal education was cut short after just three years of private school due to his family's declining fortunes. However, at the age of 15, he began studying the application of calligraphy and painting on ceramics under the tutelage of the famous Yixing ceramic artist Lu Lanfang. After completing his apprenticeship, Ren worked at the Wu Desheng Pottery Company, specializing in ceramic engraving and painting.Ren also studied calligraphy under the late Qing dynasty epigraphist and painter Chen Yanqing and Chen Maosheng. During the turmoil of the Second Sino-Japanese War, he retreated to the countryside, making a living by selling his calligraphy and paintings. In the 1950s, he was invited by the government to focus on Zisha pottery production and training new artisans.Ren Ganting was a master of comprehensive Zisha pottery engraving techniques, particularly skilled in carving floral and landscape designs onto Zisha teapots, flower pots, and incense burners. His work was characterized by elegant and fresh patterns, with a strong influence of late Qing literati painting. His calligraphy on pottery was vigorous and robust, reminiscent of stone inscription techniques, giving his pieces a distinctive aesthetic.Ren paid meticulous attention to the harmony between the calligraphic inscriptions and the shapes of the Zisha wares. Each piece of pottery resembled a traditional Chinese painting. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Ren's work began to reflect his love for life, resulting in creations imbued with the spirit of the era, such as the series "Liberation—Jiangdao Mountain." His works were exhibited in countries like the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia. Notable pieces, such as "Wintersweet and Magpie," are part of the collection at the Nanjing Museum.Ren Ganting's legacy in Zisha pottery engraving remains unparalleled, with his art continuing to inspire and influence contemporary ceramic artists. His integration of traditional Chinese aesthetics with Zisha pottery has left a lasting mark on the craft.
Pei Shimin
Pei Shimin (1892–1976), originally named Deqing, began his journey into pottery at the age of 14 under the mentorship of his brother-in-law, Jiang Zuchen. He later changed his name to Shimin. Pei quickly gained fame in his youth, and by the age of 21, he was already working at the Liyong Pottery Company, where his skills in both imitation and original creation were highly regarded. He spent a decade in Shanghai, crafting reproductions for several antique shops.In 1938, Pei Shimin opened his own pottery shop, "Shimin Pottery," under the Shushan Bridge, where he sold his creations. His replicas of Qing dynasty Zisha master Chen Mingyuan's works were so vivid that he earned the nickname "the second Chen Mingyuan."Pei Shimin was dedicated to innovation and breakthroughs in Zisha pottery. He insisted on constantly innovating and rarely made more than a few pieces of any given design before moving on to new styles. His teapots, flower pots, miniature rockeries, and small floral and fruit pieces all showcased his innovative spirit.
Wang Yinchun
Wang Yinchun (1897–1977) was born in Shangyuan Village, Yixing. At the age of 13, he began learning the craft of teapot making from Jin Ashou, a local artisan. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked as a servant for wealthy families before starting to make teapot blanks. Wang's small Zhuni (red clay) teapots stood out due to their thin, round bodies, smooth water flow, and exquisite craftsmanship, quickly earning him widespread acclaim. Initially, merchants sought him out for teapot orders, and later, teapot traders came to his home to invite him to make teapots. Eventually, the renowned Tiehua Xuan in Shanghai commissioned him to produce Shuiping teapots, which were exclusively sold by them, quickly establishing his fame in Shanghai.In 1935, Wang was invited by Shanghai antique dealer Gong Beixi to replicate ancient pieces. He successfully reproduced works by famous Zisha masters from the Ming dynasty, such as Shi Dabin and Xu Youquan, and from the Qing dynasty, like Chen Mingyuan. His works were described as "full of life, with hardly any flaws."In 1934, Japan ordered 300 Zisha flower pots from Wu Desheng Company, which then entrusted the task to Wang Yinchun. Rising to the challenge, Wang not only completed the order but also pioneered the use of molds for Yixing Zisha pottery, a significant innovation that greatly impacted modern Zisha development. This innovation is considered one of the major revolutions in Zisha pottery in the past century. Today, 95% of "molded teapots" and "molded sculptures" in the Zisha market owe their existence to his groundbreaking work.In 1940, Wang successfully made a batch of Zisha coffee sets, which were well received in Europe and America, making a significant contribution to introducing Zisha pottery to the international market. In January 1955, Wang joined the Shushan Pottery Cooperative and became a technical instructor for the 1956 cohort, becoming one of the "Seven Great Masters." During this time, he often undertook the task of creating gifts for national leaders to present during their international visits. Some of his works are now part of the collections at Zhongnanhai's Ziguang Pavilion and the Palace Museum.Wang Yinchun's contributions to the craft of Zisha pottery are invaluable, with his innovations and creations continuing to inspire and influence modern artisans.
