Description
China’s Four Great Pottery Traditions: The Pinnacle of Chinese Ceramic Heritage
China’s four renowned pottery traditions typically refer to:
- Yixing Zisha pottery from Jiangsu
- Qinzhou Nixing pottery from Guangxi
- Yunnan Jianshui purple pottery (also called Jianshui polychrome pottery)
- Chongqing Rongchang pottery
Each of these four great pottery traditions possesses distinct characteristics and carries unique cultural significance. Among them, I personally favor Guangxi Qinzhou’s Nixing pottery the most.
Qinzhou Nixing pottery, also known as Nixing Gui pottery, is characterized by its use of special purple-red clay found on both banks of the Qin River (with softer “eastern clay” and harder “western clay”). After weathering and blending, the clay is fired to form a unique “flesh-and-bone fusion” structure. Its kiln transformation technology can naturally produce vibrant colors, creating exceptionally beautiful pottery without artificial glazing. The decoration primarily features carvings integrated with calligraphy and painting arts, exhibiting an elegant style. Consequently, it has been honored as “Ten Thousand Years Gui Pottery” and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.
Master of Nixing Pottery Folk Art – Li Changquan（黎昌权）
Qinzhou Nixing pottery from Guangxi is renowned for its eight virtues:
- Clay from nature
- Healthy ceramic quality
- Simple and beautiful forms
- Brilliant kiln colors
- Iron-like hardness
- Chime-like resonance
- Water-like reflectiveness
- Jade-like moistness
Master Li Changquan is the seventh-generation inheritor of the Li Brothers, who astonished the world with exquisite Nixing pottery in the early 20th century. He is recognized as the foremost carving master of Nixing pottery.
Every Nixing pottery piece carved by Master Li Changquan is vividly lifelike and magnificently crafted. As each Nixing pottery carving involves extremely intricate work and is highly susceptible to damage during firing, every piece is essentially a unique, irreplicable work of fine art.
A Teapot of Blessings — “Lotus and Fish” Relief by Master Li Changquan
Crafted with devotion by Master Li Changquan, this Nixing clay teapot features the classic Chinese motif “Lotus and Fish” (莲莲有鱼), symbolizing abundance year after year. An elegant heirloom piece blending functionality and cultural beauty.
In Chinese culture, the lotus symbolizes purity and harmony, while the fish (often carp) represents abundance. Together, they express a wish for prosperity and success, making this teapot ideal for gifting and collecting.
Natural Nixing Clay — From the Heart of Guangxi
Mineral-rich & Breathable: Enhances tea flavor and retains aroma
Color Changes Over Time: A living teapot that absorbs tea essence and develops a rich patina
Chemical-Free: Made from natural clay without glaze or artificial additives
Capacity: Approx. 220ml
Daily Maintenance of Nixing Pottery
After each use, thoroughly rinse out tea residue with clean water, then flush with boiling water. Avoid chemical detergents as they damage tea aroma and luster.
Keep the Pot Dry:
Invert to drain completely. Store lid and body separately in a ventilated position. Never seal airtight.
Gentle Cleaning:
Use a dedicated soft tea cloth. Excessive rubbing will damage the natural patina.
Dedicated Use:
Each pot should brew only one tea type. Mixing different teas causes flavor transfer, affecting taste. It’s recommended to keep multiple pots for different teas.
Natural patina develops over months or years. Weather changes may cause subtle color variations – this reflects the fascinating interaction between Nixing pottery’s kiln transformation characteristics and maintenance.
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