Xu Xuemei
Xu Xuemei 徐雪梅 (also known as Xue Juan 雪娟) is a celebrated name in the world of Yixing purple sand ceramics. Holding titles such as Jiangsu Provincial Ceramic Art Celebrity and Senior Certified Craft Artist, she is also an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the China Ceramic Industry Association and the China National Arts and Crafts Society.
Born in 1961 in Yixing—the historic heart of purple sand pottery—Xu Xuemei’s journey into ceramics began early. In July 1978, she entered the Yixing Zisha Craft Factory, where she completed a rigorous three-year apprenticeship. Following that, she joined the research institute under the guidance of her father, Xu Hantang, a renowned master in the field, focusing on ceramic design and creation. In 1985, she moved with her father to the Yixing Zisha Craft Factory No. 2, where she helped establish its research institute, contributing to both design work and the training of a new generation of Zisha artists.
With nearly four decades of artistic practice, Xu Xuemei has not only developed exceptional craftsmanship but also gained deep insight into the essence of traditional Zisha culture. She is especially recognized for her dedication to preserving and passing on the art of Zisha teapot making. Her works span a broad range of themes, each possessing a distinct character that resonates with collectors and connoisseurs alike. At the same time, she has boldly explored the integration of traditional teapot forms with modern ceramic art, achieving meaningful breakthroughs. Her recent creations honor tradition while embracing expressive forms and a strong contemporary spirit.
Her accolades include a Silver Award at the 9th China Arts and Crafts "Baihua Cup" for her Green Lotus Tea Set, along with more than ten gold and silver awards in national and provincial competitions for works such as Jade Sunflower Pot, Jade Belt with Leather Texture Pot, Canglong Teaching the Son Pot, and the Old Vine Series. Her pieces Waist Round with Cracks Pot, Flat Belly Pot, and Linglong Gongchun Pot are part of the collections at prestigious institutions such as the Ziguang Pavilion, the Nanjing Museum, and other museums and art organizations in China and abroad.
Beyond her creative work, Xu Xuemei has been invited to share her craft and insights through cultural exchanges in the United States, South Korea, Hong Kong, and other regions, further promoting the rich tradition of Yixing Zisha on an international stage.
(yixing teapot bian fu handmade by Xu Xuemei)
