Yixing teapot artist Cao Yanping 曹燕萍
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Jiangsu Provincial Ceramic Art Master (2nd batch, 2016)
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Senior Professorate-Grade Craft Artist
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Member of China National Arts and Crafts Society
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Member of Jiangsu Provincial Ceramic Art Committee
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Member of Jiangsu Provincial Arts and Crafts Society
Born in January 1951 in Dingshu Town, Yixing, Cao Yanping joined the Jiangsu Yixing Purple Sand Craft Factory in 1972, where she studied under He Daohong, a Master of Chinese Ceramic Art, and began her career in purple sand teapot design and creation. Over more than four decades, she has upheld and carried forward traditional purple sand culture while boldly exploring and experimenting, ultimately establishing a distinctive artistic style inspired by nature (“learning from nature”).
Her creative approach was significantly influenced by her younger brother, Cao Yalin, who also provided consistent support throughout her career. This collaboration helped her refine a unique technical and aesthetic language. She was selected in 1984 to join the Purple Sand Research Institute, where she focused exclusively on teapot artistry and innovation. Twice she was sent to the Central Academy of Craft Art (now part of Tsinghua University) for advanced studies in ceramic design and molding, where she systematically deepened her theoretical knowledge and design skills under expert guidance.
To date, she has created over 100 sets of purple sand works in diverse styles, receiving numerous international and national awards. Several pieces are held in state and regional collections. Notable exhibitions include the Five-Piece “Moonlight” Tea Set and the Seven-Piece “Stream Delight” Tea Set, both selected for the Japan Mino International Ceramics Competition and related international ceramics exhibitions. The Five-Piece “Ming” Tea Set won a Second Prize and the Five-Piece “Bamboo Bear” Tea Set earned a Bronze Award at the 6th and 10th National Ceramic Art Innovation Competitions, respectively. The “Jade Charm” Teapot received a Silver Award at the 3rd Taihu Expo Purple Sand Art Exhibition, and was later acquired by the Ziguang Pavilion (Zhongnanhai) and the Wuxi Museum in 2005, following appraisal by state leaders and experts.
Other accolades include the Third Prize for the “Jade Rhythm” Five-Piece Tea Set in Jiangsu provincial ceramics评比, an Excellence Award for the “Fortune at the Door” Teapot at the Hong Kong Jinfeng Cup competition, and the Gold Award for the “First Wealth” Group Teapots at the 11th Yibo Cup. Her works have been widely published in domestic and international journals and books, drawing considerable attention within tea culture circles. With solid craftsmanship and continuous artistic growth, Cao Yanping has forged a distinctive career marked by nature-inspired creativity and technical mastery.
written by siyutao art team
