Pan Min 潘岷 is a highly respected figure in the world of Chinese ceramic art, especially renowned for his work with Yixing zisha (purple clay). With decades of dedication to creation, teaching, and research, he seamlessly bridges traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
Awarded Titles and Roles:
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Jiangsu Provincial Ceramic Art Master (3rd selection, 2023)
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Senior Industrial Artist (Full professor-level professional title in arts and crafts)
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Professor at Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology
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Top Ten Young Ceramic Artists of Yixing, the Pottery Capital
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Senior Assessor for the National Vocational Skill Certification
Background
Pan Min was born in 1967 in Yixing, Jiangsu—a city synonymous with the finest zisha teaware. He began his journey in ceramic art and design in 1985. In 1991, he graduated from the Industrial Art Department of Jiangsu University of Technology, and since then has been teaching in the Art Design Department at the Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology.
Award-Winning Zisha Creations
Pan Min’s craftsmanship has been repeatedly recognized at the highest level. His nine-piece zisha tea sets have won awards at four consecutive editions of the National Ceramic Art Design Innovation Competition—the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th—demonstrating consistent excellence over many years.
Collections and Exhibitions
Many of his purple clay works have been collected by national first-class museums and provincial museums across China, a testament to their artistic and cultural value.
Publications and Academic Contributions
Beyond the studio, Pan Min is a prolific writer and scholar. His academic papers and ceramic works have been published in Chinese core journals, key national periodicals, as well as provincial-level journals and newspapers.
He has served as the chief editor of two university-level textbooks for arts and crafts majors, both of which were recognized as Excellent Textbooks by Jiangsu Higher Education. He is also the author of two monographs: Yinyun Su Sha (吟韵塑砂 – The Poetic Rhythm of Shaping Clay) and Shayun Yujing (砂韵语境 – The Aesthetic Context of Zisha). In addition, he contributed to the national vocational qualification training textbook Ceramic Product Designer.
Legacy and Influence
Pan Min embodies the dual role of a master artisan and a dedicated educator. While he continues to push the boundaries of zisha design, he is equally committed to nurturing the next generation of ceramic artists and upholding the intangible cultural heritage of Yixing. His work stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, carrying the soul of Chinese ceramics into the contemporary art world.
