Contemporary Yixing purple clay works on display in Shanghai

Nine young Yixing purple clay artists held an exhibition entitled "Zisha Jiujun" from Jan 27 to Feb 6 at the Shanghai Duoyunxuan art gallery. [Photo/jsyxzsc.com]

Nine young Yixing purple clay artists held an exhibition entitled "Zisha Jiujun" from Jan 27 to Feb 6 at the Shanghai Duoyunxuan art gallery.

The name Zisha Jiujun refers to the nine incredible young masters of purple clay art: Fan Jianjun, Gu Meiqun, Jiang Yongjun, Yu Xiaofang, Fan Weiqun, Shi Xiaoming, Jiang Yanbin, Mao Zijian and Fan Zefeng (sorted by age). The name was given by Chinese arts and crafts master Xu Xiutang,.

The nine artists have inherited the techniques of their respective masters, whose works are recognized worldwide. Each of the artists provided ten pieces of works that show off their own styles and illustrate the development of Yixing purple clay art.

Yixing has a tradition of pottery-making stretching back more than 7,000 years. Its purple clay teapot artistry is unique and has spurred the creation of many different art forms, such as traditional opera. This is the first time that one exhibition has gathered nine different styles of purple clay art.

Shi Juntang, president of the Yixing Ceramic Industry Association, had high praise for the exhibition, saying "The exhibition serves as a platform for Yixing's young purple clay artists to express their dreams – something that has always been important in the tradition of purple clay art."

"Zisha Jiujun" is filing a trademark application, as the name will also be used in exhibition tours in Guangzhou and Beijing in the future.