Zisha teapot by Level 1A Grandmasters, JI Yi-Shun 季益顺 Signature masterpiece 金玉砂 【紫玉金砂】卡金丝镶嵌工艺

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Master Ji Yi-Shun – The Innovator Bridging Tradition and Modern Zisha Art

Born in 1960 in Yixing, Ji Yi-Shun is one of the most influential figures in contemporary Zisha art — celebrated as one of the “Four Young Dragons” of the teapot world, alongside Jiang Jian-Xiang, Chen Guo-Liang, and Shi Xiao-Ma. His mastery bridges the classic lineage of traditional craftsmanship with bold modern innovation.

Ji began his artistic journey in 1978 at the Yixing Zisha Factory, apprenticing under the renowned Gao Li-Jun (Research-Level Senior Master). By the 1990s, his works had already earned international recognition for their technical precision, vitality, and poetic charm.

He is a National Master of Arts and Crafts (2018, 7th batch), a National Ceramic Art Master (2010, 2nd batch), and holds the title of Senior Research-Level Arts and Crafts Artist (Level 1) — the highest professional rank in China’s craft hierarchy.

Leadership and Honors
Master Ji currently serves as:

* Director of the Zisha Art Committee, China Arts and Crafts Society
* Vice Chairman of the Ceramic Art Committee, China Ceramic Industry Association
* Vice President of the Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Association
* Deputy Chairman of Jiangsu Folk Artists Association
* Representative of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Congress

Artistic Achievements
Over his 40-year career, Master Ji has created hundreds of original works that blend artistic elegance with functional design. His early creations like “Flower Fragrance and Bamboo Charm” and “Field Scenery” demonstrated deep respect for tradition. Later, his masterpieces — “Auspicious Series,” “China Pot,” “Golden Spring of Jinling,” “Sunward Heart,” “Hundred Treasures Pot,” and “Jade Gold Sand” — combined intricate metal inlay and multi-colored clay embedding techniques, elevating Zisha teapots to a new level of luxury and cultural symbolism.

His style is marked by balance between floral and minimalist forms, merging sculpture, painting, and relief into a three-dimensional poetic language. Each pot reflects both refinement and innovation — embodying what collectors call “The Ji Yi-Shun School”: art that is graceful in form, spiritual in essence, and timeless in use.

Major Awards & Recognition

- “Fitness Tea Set” – 1st Prize, National Ceramic Design Competition (1986)
- “Vigorous Mouse Pot” – 1st Prize, Jingdezhen Ceramic Exhibition (1996)
- “Flower Fragrance and Bamboo Charm Pot” – Gold Award, 1st National Masters Exhibition (2000)
- “Longevity Bamboo Pot” & “Blessings Pot” – Gold Awards, 3rd & 4th National Masters Expositions
- “Purple Air from the East” – Gold Award, 37th National Arts Expo; later collected by Ziguang Pavilion, Zhongnanhai (2006)

Artistic Vision
Master Ji’s creative philosophy integrates the spirit of Chinese aesthetics — “to infuse utility with grace, and simplicity with spirit.” Through his art, Zisha transcends function to become cultural storytelling. His works are treasured not just for their beauty, but for how they capture the warmth, harmony, and refined joy of Chinese life.