Zisha pottery has evolved into a national art form, and Zisha culture has stepped onto the international stage, spanning a long period of time. Since the inception of Zisha teapots, Yixing has become the fertile ground for the growth and development of renowned Zisha artists and masters.
In the last century, Yixing Zisha pottery was frequently presented as state gifts to leaders of other countries, with the older generation of Zisha artisans making significant contributions to the overseas dissemination of Chinese Zisha culture.
As early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, Zisha pottery was featured in imperial court wares, particularly during the reigns of Emperor Kangxi, Emperor Qianlong, and Emperor Yongzheng. Due to their diverse tastes, the prevalent styles of Zisha pottery in different eras tended to align with the aesthetic preferences of the ruling emperor, leading to a period where Zisha craftsmen momentarily lost their individuality, and Zisha teapots adopted an ornate courtly flair.
Design of Bamboo Coffee Set Made by Wang Yinchun
However, Shao Daheng altered this landscape with his talent and perseverance, pioneering the return to tradition and independent creation in Qing dynasty Zisha pottery. Inspired by Shao Daheng, subsequent Zisha practitioners began contemplating how to preserve their unique styles, leaving behind numerous classic designs for future generations.
In the late Ming dynasty, the Portuguese East India Company traded Chinese tea to Western Europe, accompanied by large-capacity Zisha teapots that also reached European countries. Additionally, figurines resembling animals and other decorative pieces were exported abroad. During the Qing dynasty, Zisha utensils specifically crafted for export to Southeast Asian countries often featured red clay, adorned with appliqué, hollow carving, and clay painting techniques, attracting a loyal international following with their exquisite craftsmanship.
During the Republic of China era, Yixing Zisha pottery once again sparked a craze overseas. After the founding of New China, Zisha artisans in Shushan further enriched domestic Zisha creations with brilliant artistic expressions, and the diverse artistic styles have contributed to the unique charm of Yixing's land.
Yixing purple clay teapot for export in the Qing Dynasty
In 1952, as China and the Soviet Union forged friendly ties, Wang Yinchun's "Bamboo Knot Coffee Set," comprising 15 pieces including a teapot, a sugar jar, a milk cup, six coffee cups, and six saucers, was specially selected as a commemorative gift for Soviet experts, marking the beginning of Zisha pottery being presented as state gifts.
During Premier Zhou Enlai's visit to Southeast Asian countries in 1955, he brought along Jiang Rong's "Nine Lifelike Fruits," including water chestnuts, water caltrops, walnuts, peanuts, chestnuts, arrowheads, gingko nuts, watermelon seeds, and sunflower seeds. These delightful and meticulously crafted pieces symbolized a bountiful harvest and embodied the charm of Chinese culture. In 1966, Premier Zhou presented Zhu Kexin's "Gao Li Teapot" to then-Japanese Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei during his visit to Japan.
Lifelike Fruit Carvings Made by Jiang Rong
In 1978, when Deng Xiaoping visited Japan, he gifted Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda with He Daohong's "Plum Pile Teapot," while Wang Yinxian's "Wind-Whirling Sunflower" and Zhou Guizhen's "Jade Collection Teapot" were also included in the state gifts presented to Japan.
In 1979, Wang Yinxian created the "Cloud Dragon Teapot" based on the traditional "Fish Turns into Dragon" design, and both this teapot and her "Grape Cup" were presented as state gifts during foreign visits. In the same year, Premier Zhou's wife, Deng Yingchao, presented the "Ti Bi Teapot," a collaboration between Gu Jingzhou and Professor Gao Zhuang from the Central Academy of Art and Design, to the Japanese Prime Minister during her visit to Japan.
Cloud Dragon Teapot Made by Wang Yinxian
Ti Bi Teapot Made by Gu Jingzhou
The presentation of Zisha pottery as state gifts to other countries has witnessed crucial moments in diplomatic history. Its strong national characteristics and cultural attributes have showcased the decorative charm and artistic value of Chinese traditional culture in poetry, painting, pottery carving, and other aspects to the world. Behind Zisha's international recognition lies the robust strength of the nation, and the profound heritage of Yixing's Zisha culture, coupled with the exquisite skills of its artisans, have elevated Zisha pottery to become a world-renowned masterpiece.