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ON EXHIBITION: A square Zisha teapot by Shao Shunsheng (MA JIANZHONG) |
An exhibition on Zisha works by Shao Shunshen was held in Beijing on March 29 and 30, as part of his 2014 nationwide tour.
Born in Yixing of east China's Jiangsu Province in 1955, Shao is a descendant of Shao Daheng (1796-1850), a famous Zisha artist and master in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). He is now a senior master of Zisha teapots and executive director of Yixing Zisha Culture Research Association.
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Works of differenet forms (MA JIANZHONG) |
Zisha is a kind of ceramic stoneware which lies between pottery and porcelain. But disputes over its origin still exists due to the lack of sufficient evidence. Based on historical documents and relics available by now, it is widely believed in the archeology community that the making of Zisha teapots dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) during the period of emperor Zhengde (1491-1521).
For decades, Shao has devoted himself to the development of Zisha art by designing, moulding and calcining every teapot by himself, and is particularly good at the making of square teapots. Many of his masterpieces are now in the collections of museums or individuals.
Inspired by traditional Chinese ink-painting, Shao also tries to reflect the essence of modern life in his works. In this way, although Zisha is an old art form, it is possible to find modern elements in Shao's works.
"I hope to promote the development of Zisha, which is suitable for both daily use and collection, and make it known and loved also by the rest of the world," Shao said. | 
