Zhou Guizhen

22. Juni 2025

Zhou Guizhen

Zhou Guizhen (born August 1943) is a renowned Chinese master of arts and crafts, celebrated for her exceptional contributions to Yixing Zisha (Purple Clay) pottery. Hailing from Yixing, Jiangsu Province, she holds prestigious titles such as:

Chinese Master of Arts and Crafts (2006, 5th batch)
Chinese Ceramic Art Master (2003, inaugural batch)
Senior Research Fellow-Level Craft Artist
National Representative Inheritor of Yixing Zisha Pottery-Making Techniques (Intangible Cultural Heritage)

Early Life and Training

In 1958, Zhou began her journey at the Yixing Zisha Pottery Factory, studying under Wang Yinchun and later receiving guidance from Gu Jingzhou, the "Grandmaster of Zisha Art." Her early training laid a solid foundation in traditional techniques.

Artistic Evolution and Collaborations

By the 1980s, Zhou's work reached new heights through collaborations with renowned artists and calligraphers, including Zhang Shouzhi, Han Meilin, Liu Haisu, and Cheng Shifa. These partnerships elevated her creations to an artistic realm described as "exquisite craftsmanship with profound charm, the radiance of purple jade."

A milestone in her career came when her "Jiyu Teapot" (集玉壶) was selected as a state gift for Chinese leaders visiting Japan. Later, she joined the Zisha Research Institute, dedicating herself to replicating historical masterpieces.

Exhibitions and Honors

1995: Invited to Taiwan for cultural exchange, awarded the "Divine Craftsmanship" honor by the Tainan Luban Art Center.
1996: Promoted to Senior Research Fellow-Level Craft Artist.
2001: Held her first solo exhibition, "Zhou Guizhen Zisha Masterpieces Exhibition," and published Zhou Guizhen Zisha Masterpieces Collection.
2003: Named China’s First "Ceramic Art Master."
2004: Published Zhou Guizhen’s Zisha Art.
2006: Awarded the title of Chinese Master of Arts and Crafts.
2012: Received the "Heritage Transmission Award" from China’s Ministry of Culture.
2013: Showcased her work in France and Germany.
2018: Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Inheritor.

Iconic Works & Collections

Zhou’s teapots blend grandeur with delicate femininity, characterized by precision, elegance, and timeless appeal. Some of her most celebrated pieces include:

"Jiyu Teapot" (集玉壶) – Collected by the Palace Museum.
"Zhenzhubamboo-Handled Teapot" (珍竹提梁壶) – Housed in the National Museum of China.
"Wujing-Handled Teapot" (吴经提梁壶) – Displayed in Taiwan’s National History Museum.
"Flat Bamboo-Handled Teapot" (扁竹提梁壶) – Preserved in Japan’s Aichi Ceramic Museum.
"Mansheng-Handled Teapot" (曼生提梁壶) – Collected by Zhongnanhai’s Purple Light Pavilion and the Nanjing Museum.
"Jade Belt-Handled Teapot" (玉带提梁壶) – Winner of the Asia-Pacific Ceramic Art Exhibition’s First Prize.

Legacy and Influence

Over her 40+ year career, Zhou’s works have been praised for their "endless depth and enduring beauty." Collaborations with luminaries like Han Meilin and Liu Haisu (who inscribed poetry on her teapots) have cemented her role in shaping modern Zisha aesthetics.

Her philosophy—"craftsmanship so refined it transcends technique, embodying the spirit of purple jade"—continues to inspire, making her a true guardian of China’s Zisha heritage.

Notable Works: