Zisha teapot by Level 1A Grandmasters, MAO Guo-Qiang 毛国强 通灵宝玉

Master Mao Guo-Qiang – The Literati Artisan of Zisha 

Mao Guo-Qiang, also known by his art name Yi Su (一粟), is one of the most accomplished scholar-artisans of the Yixing Zisha tradition. Born in 1945 into a family of potters in Shushan, Yixing, he embodies the union of craftsmanship and calligraphic culture that defines the literati spirit of Chinese art.

He holds the titles of National Master of Arts and Crafts (2018, 7th batch) and National Ceramic Art Master (2010, 2nd batch), and attained Senior Research-Level Master (Level 1) status in 2005 — the highest distinction for artisans in China.

Mao began his artistic training in 1958 at the Yixing Zisha Factory, apprenticing under the legendary Ren Gan-Ting, a formative influence that grounded his mastery in both form and inscription. In 1987, he furthered his studies at the Henan Institute of Calligraphy, under the mentorship of Chen Tian-Ran, deepening his understanding of brush rhythm and aesthetic balance — traits that became the hallmark of his ceramic engravings.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Master Mao has won numerous national and international awards, including the National Ceramic Design Gold Prize and the West Lake Expo Gold Award. His works are housed in prestigious collections such as the Palace Museum, Tianjin Museum, Ziguang Pavilion at Zhongnanhai, Los Angeles Art Museum, and the Asia-Pacific Art Museum.

His art transcends craft — combining poetry, calligraphy, painting, and Zisha form into one unified expression. The vigor of his carving lines reveals both strength and grace, with a style often described as “majestic yet fluid, bold yet refined.”

Throughout his career, Master Mao collaborated with iconic artists such as Lu Yan-Shao, Cheng Shi-Fa, Tang Yun, Han Mei-Lin, and Fan Zeng, blending calligraphic and pictorial art into the unique cultural form of literati Zisha. His monumental works, including “Lion and Elephant Jade Tripod” and “Hundred Longevity Vase”, are permanently displayed at Ziguang Pavilion, the state reception hall in Zhongnanhai.

Mao Guo-Qiang’s creative philosophy is clear: “Clay carries culture, and form carries spirit.” His teapots embody a dialogue between strength and serenity — each one an artifact of Chinese elegance and intellectual depth.