Zhang Zhiqing
Senior Craft Artist (Professor-level)
Senior Rural Revitalization Technical Specialist
Recipient of the May Day Labor Medal
Born in July 1958 in Yixing, the Ceramics Capital of China, Zhang founded the "Xianyun Caolu" (Idle Cloud Herb Hut) ceramics studio in 2000.
Driven by a childhood passion for fine arts, he resolutely embarked on the path of purple clay (Zisha) ceramic decoration. Through diligent study and active exploration, he has dedicated himself since 1985 to the art of clay-painting (ni hui) on Zisha wares, eventually earning a distinguished place in the field. His skills have matured over time, and he excels in multiple techniques, including clay painting, color painting, ink painting, as well as carving and engraving. With extraordinary painting mastery, he integrates the beauty of calligraphy, painting, and nature onto the surface of teapots, creating compositions of profound artistic conception and rich cultural depth. His decorative ceramic works are celebrated for their refined elegance, often regarded as a pinnacle of ceramic ornamentation. In particular, his unique approach to classical portrait decoration has made outstanding contributions to the innovative design and development of Chinese ceramic art. His original ceramic creations have received numerous awards and are highly sought after by collectors both at home and abroad.
