Yixing Zisha Factory No. 1: The Legendary "Purple Sand Imperial Kiln" of China
In the heart of Yixing, Jiangsu Province—a region synonymous with the art of purple clay (zisha) pottery—stands a legendary institution that shaped modern Zisha history: Yixing Zisha Factory No. 1 (紫砂一厂). Established in 1954 and operational for over four decades, this state-owned factory became the cradle of China’s most iconic teapots, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with collective innovation. Known as the "Purple Sand Imperial Kiln," its legacy endures in the hands of collectors and tea lovers worldwide.
A Historical Beacon: 1954–1997
Founded at the dawn of China’s collectivist era, Factory No. 1 united seven legendary Zisha masters—Wu Yungen, Pei Shimin, Ren Ganting, Wang Yinxian, Zhu Kexin, Gu Jingzhou, and Jiang Rong—along with hundreds of skilled artisans. For over 40 years, it served as the epicenter of Zisha craftsmanship, training generations of masters and producing teapots that became symbols of Chinese cultural heritage.
Golden Eras & Export Labels
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Green Label Period (1978–1983): Early export pieces marked by a green sticker, featuring classic shapes like the Shi Piao (石瓢) and Han Jun (汉君).
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No Label Period (1984–1987): Transitional phase with unmarked teapots, often simpler in design.
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Square-Round Label (1988–1994): Peak production, marked by the iconic "Fang Yuan" (方圆) logo. Teapots like the Jade Collection (集玉壶) and Spring Herald (报春壶) gained global acclaim.
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Laser Label (1994–1997): Final phase before privatization, using holographic stickers for authenticity.
The Unmatched Trinity: Clay, Craft, Kiln
Factory No. 1’s teapots are revered for their "superior clay, flawless form, and perfect firing"—a trinity of excellence impossible to replicate today.
1. The Clay: Huanglongshan’s "Five Colors of Earth"
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Source: Mined from the famed Huanglongshan No. 4 Mine, the clay contained a unique mix of purple (zini), green (ben shan lüni), and red (hongni) minerals, enriched with quartz, mica, and iron.
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Process:
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Aging: Raw clay was weathered for years, then naturally fermented in sealed storage to enhance plasticity.
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Texture: The clay’s "double-pore" structure allowed optimal air circulation, improving tea flavor over time.
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Example: A 1970s Qingshui Han Jun Teapot (清水泥汉君壶) showcases the clay’s velvety texture and rich, earthy tones.
2. The Craft: Masters of Form
Factory No. 1’s artisans underwent rigorous training, mastering every step from clay preparation to final carving. Three design philosophies defined their work:
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Classic Revival: Reimagining Ming and Qing dynasty designs, like the Shi Piao (石瓢) and Duo Zhi (掇只), with modern practicality.
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Innovative Icons: Original creations such as:
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Zhu Kexin’s Spring Herald (报春壶): A plum blossom-adorned masterpiece.
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Gu Jingzhou’s Stone瓢 (景舟石瓢): A minimalist marvel in red clay with gold-sprinkled accents.
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Jiang Rong’s Lotus Frog Teapot (荷叶青蛙壶): A lifelike floral sculpture.
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Collaborative Art: Partnerships with artists like Han Meilin and Tang Yun infused calligraphy, painting, and abstract motifs into designs.
3. The Kiln: The Lost Tunnel of Fire
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Tunnel Kiln (1973–2002): Fueled by heavy oil, this kiln fired teapots at precise temperatures—1,100°C for purple clay, 900°C for red clay. Each piece was shielded in heat-resistant containers to prevent ash contamination.
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Legacy: The kiln’s slow cooling process gave teapots a "jade-like" finish, unmatched by modern electric kilns. Its demolition in 2002 marked the end of an era.
The Teapots: Timeless Treasures
Factory No. 1’s teapots are instantly recognizable for their:
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Elegant Symmetry: Flawless proportions honed through collective rigor.
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Functional Art: Spouts designed for drip-free pouring, ergonomic handles, and snug-fitting lids.
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Cultural Stories: Many bear inscriptions or carvings reflecting Chinese poetry and philosophy.
Notable Works:
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1970s Horizontal-Handle Youquan Teapot (横把友泉壶): A sturdy, practical design for daily use.
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1980s Five-Color Lotus Heart Teapot (五色莲心壶): A vibrant, multi-clay floral masterpiece.
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1980s Bamboo Segment Teapot (四方竹段壶): A Japanese-collected gem blending geometry and nature.
Legacy: A Foundation for Modern Zisha
Though privatized in 1997, Factory No. 1’s impact is indelible:
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Master Training: It nurtured modern legends like Zhou Guizhen and Li Changhong.
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Global Influence: Its "Fang Yuan Brand" teapots became ambassadors of Chinese culture, exported worldwide.
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Collector’s Holy Grail: Authentic Factory No. 1 pieces are prized for their historical and material rarity.
Conclusion
Yixing Zisha Factory No. 1 was more than a factory—it was a crucible of art, tradition, and collective genius. Today, its teapots are not just tools for brewing tea but windows into a golden age of craftsmanship. For collectors and tea lovers, owning a Factory No. 1 piece is akin to holding a fragment of history, one steeped in the earth’s secrets and human ingenuity.
“In the curve of a Shi Piao, in the bloom of a lotus, the soul of Yixing lives on.”
