Who is the famous Yixing teapot maker in ancient?
1. Gong Chun 龚供春
During the Zhengde era (1506–1521) of the Ming Dynasty, Gong Chun was a pivotal figure in the history of Yixing Zisha teapots. As a young servant in the wealthy Wu family, he accompanied his master, Wu Shi, to study at the ancient Jinsha Temple southwest of Yixing. There, he secretly learned pottery skills from an elderly monk and eventually crafted the famous "Gong Chun Teapot." His work elevated Yixing Zisha teapots from crude everyday utensils to artistic creations that combined practicality with aesthetic value.
2. Shi Dabin 时大彬
As the "leading figure" in the Zisha world, Shi Dabin made monumental contributions to the craft. Initially, he used wooden molds to shape teapots, but in his mid-to-late career, inspired by Gong Chun’s techniques, he pioneered entirely handcrafted methods. These included the "slab-building" (打身筒法) and "clay-strip assembly" (镶身筒法) techniques, forming the teapot body by manually beating and shaping clay sheets. His innovations established a complete and refined system of craftsmanship.
3. Chen Mingyuan 陈鸣远
Chen Mingyuan, also known as Hefeng , Hecun, Shixia Shanren, and Huyin, was an outstanding Zisha artist during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. Building upon Ming Dynasty traditions while shaping Qing Dynasty styles, he reached new heights in craftsmanship, design, engraving, sculpting, and color application. He is regarded as the most exceptional Zisha artist after Shi Dabin in Chinese history.
4. Chen Mansheng 陈曼生
Chen Mansheng, originally named Chen Hongshou 陈鸿寿 (1768–1822), was a native of Qiantang (now Hangzhou, Zhejiang) who lived during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods. A master of classical literature, carving, calligraphy, and seal engraving, he was a man of extraordinary talent. Chen Mansheng integrated epigraphy, painting, poetry, and teapot craftsmanship, creating a unique and sophisticated artistic style for Zisha teapots. He pioneered the perfect fusion of literature, calligraphy, seal art, and teapot-making.
5.Gu Jingzhou 顾景舟
Gu Jingzhou (1915–1996), originally named Jingzhou 顾景洲, also known as Manxi 曼希, Shouping 瘦萍, Wuling Yiren 武陵逸人 , and Jingnan Shanqiao 荆南山樵, and self-styled as Husou 壶叟 (Old Teapot Master) or Laoping 老萍, was a celebrated Yixing Zisha artist. A member of the China Artists Association and a master of Chinese arts and crafts, he achieved unparalleled excellence in teapot artistry. With exquisite skills and a wide range of inspirations, he is considered the most accomplished modern Zisha artist, earning titles like "Grandmaster of the Era" and "Teapot Art Titan." His works are treasured by museums and cultural institutions worldwide.
