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.
Experience the elegance of the Gourd-Shaped Xishi Nixing Clay Teapot (160 cc), fully engraved in a classic style by Master Li Changquan. Crafted from authentic Qinzhou Nixing clay, this teapot combines the iconic Xishi form with a rich, hand-carved gourd motif, offering both ergonomic balance and artistic flair.
In Chinese culture, the gourd (“hulu”) is a potent emblem of good fortune, longevity, and health. Its bulbous form traditionally holds elixirs or blessings, and the homonym “hulu” echoes “prosperity and official rank” (福禄). By featuring a hand-carved gourd motif, this teapot brings auspicious energy and cultural depth to every tea session.
Ergonomic Xishi Shape: The semi-rounded Xishi profile hugs the hand comfortably, while the short spout delivers a smooth, precise pour—ideal for Gongfu tea rituals.
Full-Engraved Gourd Motif: Master Li Changquan’s knife-carved gourds symbolize prosperity and protection; the continuous relief carving wraps the entire body in auspicious meaning.
Teapot capacity: 160 ml
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