Ji Yishun
Biography
Born in 1960 in the "Pottery Capital" of Yixing, Ji Yishun entered the Yixing Purple Clay Factory in 1978. He initially studied under Jiang Xiaoyan, a Jiangsu Provincial Master of Arts and Crafts, and later trained with renowned purple clay artists Gao Lijun and Wang Xiaolong, both Provincial Masters of Arts and Crafts. Inheriting the cultural traditions of purple clay art, Ji Yishun refuses to be bound by convention—he boldly explores and excels at innovation, expanding the horizons of purple clay art. He skillfully merges the elegance of purple clay with practical functionality, integrating teapot design with Chinese painting, calligraphy, and sculpture. His works embody the philosophy of "painting on the pot, pot within the painting," giving rise to the distinctive "Ji Yishun School of Purple Clay Art," characterized by its poetic and picturesque charm. His creations have profoundly influenced the younger generation in the purple clay art world, playing a pivotal role in bridging tradition and modernity for the comprehensive and sustained development of the craft.
Title
Chinese Master of Arts and Crafts (2018, 7th Edition)
Chinese Master of Ceramic Art (2010, 2nd Edition)
Master of Arts and Crafts in China’s Industrial Art Sector
Senior Craft Artist (Zheng Gaoji)
Vice President, Ceramic Art Committee of China Ceramic Industry Association
Vice President, Jiangsu Provincial Arts and Crafts Association
Vice President, Jiangsu Provincial Ceramic Art Committee
Vice President, Jiangsu Provincial Folk Artists Association
Deputy to the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Congress
Standing Committee Member of Yixing Municipal People’s Congress
Award-winning works
Ji Yishun’s works have consistently garnered awards in domestic and international arts and crafts competitions:
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1989: Ring of Light received the Excellence Award at Japan’s International Ceramic Art Mino Exhibition.
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1996: Harvest Mouse Teapot won First Prize at the Sino-Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition.
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2006: Jiangnan Scenery—Five-Piece Set claimed the Gold Medal at the 8th National Ceramic Design Innovation Competition.
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2009: Han Dynasty Breeze Teapot earned the Gold Award at the Hong Kong International Tea Expo.
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2010: Autumn Delight Teapot was honored with the Special Recognition Award at the World Expo Fine Arts Exhibition.
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2011: Named one of "China’s Top Ten Folk Artists" at the 4th China Folk Artists Festival.
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2015: Yixing Purple Charm received the Special Honor Award at the 8th China Yixing International Ceramic Culture and Art Festival’s "Jingzhou Cup."
His works have also been collected by prestigious institutions:
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2006: Auspicious Purple from the East was acquired by the Zhongnanhai Purple Light Pavilion.
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2009: Prosperous China Teapot entered the collection of the National Museum of China.
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2013: Spring Surge in Jinling was collected by the Organizing Committee of the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games.
Published Works:
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Master Ji Yishun and His Disciples: A Collection of Works
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Elegance of Purple Clay
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Yishun Ceramic Art Center
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Master Ji Yishun and His Disciples: Exhibition of Fine Purple Clay Teapots
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Heart of Craftsmanship, Touch of Wit—40th Anniversary Retrospective of Ji Yishun’s Purple Clay Art
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Ji Chang Garden: Master Ji Yishun and His Disciples’ Purple Clay Collection
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The Ji Legacy: Selected Works of Ji Yishun’s Purple Clay Art
Through his visionary artistry and dedication, Ji Yishun continues to shape the future of purple clay craftsmanship while honoring its rich heritage.
