Guan Weihao
Jiangsu Provincial Famous Ceramic Artist
Senior Master of Arts and Crafts (Professor-level)
Senior Rural Revitalization Artisan
Born in Suzhou in 1967, Guan Weihao began studying painting at an early age under his father, Guan Mu, a renowned Chinese woodblock print artist. In 1989, he was admitted to the Ceramic Art Department of Nanjing University of the Arts, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1993. The following year, he moved to Yixing — the “Pottery Capital” of China — to devote himself to the creation of Zisha teapots and the exploration of special decorative techniques for Zisha pottery.
Throughout his long creative practice, Guan Weihao has faithfully carried forward the finest traditions of Zisha culture. He possesses a deep mastery of Zisha clay’s material characteristics and craftsmanship, fully liberating the expressive potential of Zisha forms. Notably, he pioneered the use of wheel-throwing techniques in Zisha production. His works are instantly recognizable for their distinctive personal style, refined craftsmanship and strong sense of form, seamlessly blending modern ceramic art with traditional Zisha artistry.
Major Awards and Collections
-
1999 – The work Jin (Vigor) was permanently collected by the Wuxi Museum.
-
2002 – Hand-Thrown Loop-handle Teapot won the Gold Award at the Hangzhou International Folk Handicraft Exhibition.
-
2003 – Star of Destiny received the Selected Award at the 2nd National Ceramic Art Exhibition; Earth Series won the Gold Award of the “Zhongtao Cup” at the 1st China Ceramic Art Exhibition.
-
2004 – Guan Weihao was featured on a personalized postage stamp as part of the Contemporary Chinese Cultural Masters series.
-
2005 – Invited to present a joint exhibition with his wife, Zhou Jufang, in Hong Kong and Macau. The exhibition received a special feature report in Hong Kong’s Wen Wei Po.
-
2007 – Spring of the Earth won the Gold Award at the 8th “Zhongyi Cup”;
Method for Manufacturing the Zisha Earth Teapot was granted a national invention patent (Patent No. ZL200410014009.4). -
2008 – Earth Teapot won the Gold Award in the “Art Masters and Elites Favored by Chinese Collectors” competition.
-
2012 – Spring of the Earth won the Gold Award at the 14th China (National) Master of Arts and Crafts Fine Works Expo;
Mountain Scenery Teapot was selected for the 2012 Nanjing “All-Handmade Zisha Teapot Exhibition”. -
2013 – Earth Loop-handle Teapot won the Gold Award at the 15th China (National) Master of Arts and Crafts Fine Works Expo.
-
2014 – Immortal Gourd Teapot was permanently collected by the China Zisha Museum;
Earth Loop-handle Teapot won the Gold Award at the 16th China (National) Master of Arts and Crafts Fine Works Expo.
Guan Weihao continues to push the boundaries of Zisha art, honoring its time-honored heritage while embracing a boldly modern sensibility. His work stands as a shining example of how contemporary expression can elevate an ancient craft.
