Jiang Liwen | Displaying Courage and Ambition as a Woman

Since Jiang Liwen embarked on her artistic career more than three decades ago, she has always approached Zisha art with humility and devotion, honing her exquisite skills through perseverance and a sense of inheritance. Her rigorous teachers and self-discipline have fostered her unwavering will and dedicated character.

01 Travel far by taking small steps, and persist in action without slackening.

In 1989, Jiang Liwen embarked on her journey in the art of Zisha pottery by joining the Yixing Zisha Craft Factory in Jiangsu Province, where she studied under the tutelage of renowned Zisha artists Ge Taozhong and Zhou Dinghua. Subsequently, she was fortunate enough to enter the studio of the esteemed Master Gu Jingzhou, where she devoted herself to learning with earnestness. Master Gu's rigorous teaching, coupled with Jiang's diligence, perseverance, thoughtfulness, and creativity, forged her solid foundation in teapot-making. Over time, her skills matured through constant self-improvement and practice.

Looking back on her youthful days learning from Master Gu Jingzhou, Jiang Liwen remarked with deep emotion: "Since 1990, I have been learning by Master Gu's side, from crafting teapot tools to shaping the body of the teapot, all under his meticulous guidance. My greatest achievement during those years was the formal and rigorous training I received, which laid a solid foundation for my teapot-making skills. Master Gu often said that making teapots requires taking each step solidly, strengthening the basics, and avoiding shortcuts. Therefore, for a considerable period, I focused on honing my fundamental techniques, comprehensively studying the craftsmanship of plain, floral, round, and square teapots."

In the late 1990s, Jiang Liwen became a disciple of Master Bao Zhiqiang, whose works are renowned for their unique style, grandeur, profoundness, and rich humanistic connotations. Greatly inspired by her mentor, Jiang's own work gradually mirrored his style. Under Master Bao's instruction, she realized that the creative process transcends mere teapot-making; it necessitates the cultivation of knowledge, accomplishments, and refinement. By assimilating historical and cultural knowledge in daily life, she has been able to accumulate and deepen the artistic meaning of her works.

As the Book of Changes says, "Fear at the beginning and end ensures no fault; this is the way of the I Ching." In artistic creation, repetition yields no classics. Jiang Liwen understands that, amidst the contemporary cultural and aesthetic trends, craftspeople must continually reflect, reinvent, and integrate modern ceramic concepts with traditional Zisha techniques to forge a groundbreaking new path. In recent years, Jiang Liwen has pursued a diverse personal style, marked by innovative and magnificent works that embody her profound contemplation on the interplay between traditional elements and contemporary aesthetics.

Her teapot creations stem from an inner aspiration, imbued with boundless spiritual power. Her works embody the transformation of rigidity into gentleness, stillness into dynamism, and complexity into simplicity. Through varying depths, they accentuate the layering and linearity of the vessels; their staggered compositions evoke a harmonious beauty. They offer a restrained yet romantic artistic expression, showcasing the unique tension of Zisha material in a state of tranquility.

02 Splendid Clouds and Radiant Colors Flowing Through Fingertips

In Jiang Liwen's works, one can often discern her enrichment and reinforcement of traditional cultural connotations. Drawing materials and nourishment from traditional culture, Jiang Liwen internalizes her interpretations of these traditions into a continuous stream of creativity. Skillfully wielding her brushstrokes and mastering the art of form, she perfectly captures images from folklore or classical mythology in Zisha pottery. Some works convey auspicious meanings through traditional patterns, while others quote classics to emphasize moral principles in life, or express the aspirations of gentlemen to cultivate themselves, harmonize their families, govern the country, and establish meritorious careers. They showcase both classicism and innovation, subtly nurturing cultural awareness in viewers.

Eight-Sided Wind Gathering Teapot

"Carving purple jade with a knife, converging golden sand bonds from all directions" – The "Eight-Sided Wind Gathering Teapot" revolves around Confucian thought, emphasizing "the right time, the right place, and the right people" as well as a pragmatic yet wise approach to life. Originally a masterpiece created by Master Bao Zhiqiang, Jiang Liwen pays homage to her mentor's classic work through meticulous replication. With a dragon and clouds as its theme, the teapot boasts an elongated and slender octagonal prism shape. The three-curved spout incorporates jade culture, while the auspicious cloud patterns etched on it exude elegance. The handle reduces the empty space within the rectangle, making it comfortable to hold and practical. The cap is full and hollowed out with geometric patterns, and a dragon coils gracefully amidst the clouds, seemingly soaring towards the heavens. The exquisite relief carving technique depicts a commanding presence that spans time and space. The entire piece embodies a harmonious blend of technique and nature, with squared lines softened by rounded transitions, seamlessly integrating Confucian culture and expressing a steadfast yet gentle disposition. It signifies that principles and methods must coexist in one's conduct and endeavors to achieve harmony and success, just as the dragon soars to the clouds.

Fish Jumping Over the Dragon Gate

Similarly, "Fish Jumping Over the Dragon Gate" is a traditional folk motif. The main body is full and stable, with a simplified dragon-shaped handle evolved from the C-shaped jade dragon carvings of the Hongshan Culture. The lid depicts the turbulent waves during a fish's leap over the dragon gate, with the leaping carp vividly surrounded by surging waters. The teapot's overall lines are strong, robust, and majestic, highlighting the spirit of striving against adversity and aspiring to greater heights, embodying the ideals of swift progress and success.

When creating "Fish Jumping Over the Dragon Gate," Jiang Liwen designed several states of the goldfish before settling on the "striving leap with an open mouth," intending to inspire people that life requires struggle, perseverance, and leapfrogging progress.

In Chinese traditional culture, objects are often used to express noble sentiments and aspirations for harmony with nature. Jiang Liwen adeptly incorporates elements rich in scholarly atmosphere, such as bamboo, plum blossoms, and lotus flowers, into her works, instilling them with the essence of Chinese traditional culture and imparting a sense of elegance, grace, and timeless beauty.

Listening to Zen Amidst the Pure Lotus

Inspired by Su Shi's line from his poem "Huanxiasha": "True joy lies in simple pleasures of life," "Listening to Zen Amidst the Pure Lotus" depicts a serene lotus pond in Zisha, painting a poetic and romantic summer scene with lotus flowers, leaves, roots, pods, and frogs. Both the flowing lines and intricate details evoke a sense of spiritual purification, offering an ineffable aesthetic experience. It captures the essence of tranquility and selflessness, a realm where the soul returns to its depths.

Jiang Liwen's works abound with poetic and picturesque expressions that blend traditional Artistic Conception and modern style, embodying the harmony of "unity of heaven and man" and "following nature's laws." "Listening to Zen Amidst the Pure Lotus" portrays a serene and peaceful scene, resonating with the virtues of modesty, restraint, and the pursuit of simplicity, embodying the refined and aspirational spirit of scholars.

Contentment Teapot

Admiring Su Shi's personality and demeanor, Jiang Liwen incorporates his literary essence into her creations, endowing them with a pure and elegant charm. Her works serve as "stones thrown into the water," provoking richer inner experiences and elevating viewers' aesthetic pleasure, inspiring them to understand and embrace life poetically, pursuing their heart's desires.

Dongpo cherished bamboo, and Jiang Liwen crafted the "Contentment Teapot," imbued with the meaning of "Contentment Leads to Eternal Joy." The homophone of "bamboo" and "contentment" (in Chinese, "zhu" and "zu"), coupled with the character "knowledge" (知) etched on the teapot lid, inspired the name "Contentment Teapot." Ancients viewed the cicada as a symbol of noble character and enlightenment, and when combined with purple clay, the imagery of the cicada takes on a unique artistic allure. The body of the teapot is generously proportioned, smooth and lustrous, while the handle is uniquely shaped like a bamboo joint, creating a novel and poetic realm. From the inside out, the entire piece exudes an elegant demeanor, enveloped in a serene and understated beauty. A cicada, a segment of bamboo—beauty lies in the aspiration for relentless flight and the resilience embodied in bamboo.

"Elevated, its voice reaches afar, not relying on autumn winds." The cicada's distant song stems from its lofty position, not from the aid of autumn breezes; similarly, those of noble character do not need external support to earn widespread renown. Jiang Liwen's work emphasizes the power of personal integrity and the attitude towards creation—akin to the cicada's meditation and rebirth, always maintaining a high moral standard. Just like Dongpo, even amidst tumultuous external circumstances, his poetic spirit flourished freely, constructing a serene and joyful life untroubled by worldly winds or sun.

03 Embracing the Past, Forging Ahead with Golden Spirit

The aesthetic sensibilities of the ancients maintain a bond, both intimate and elusive, with those of modern people. Jiang Liwen understands that "tradition" was the modernity of the ancients, and "modernity" will eventually become the "tradition" of future generations. Traditional cultures that have weathered the test of time, along with historical and cultural symbols, decorations, and inscriptions, retain profound significance in contemporary society. She extensively studies various craft disciplines and draws inspiration from them, borrowing patterns and shapes from bronze vessels of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, lacquerware of the Han and Tang dynasties, ancient coins, jade articles, and more. By integrating calligraphy, painting, and sculpture, she imbues her purple clay teapots with both traditional charm and contemporary flair, creating a blend of decorative techniques including piling, carving, pinching, modeling, and inlaying.

Ancient Tripod Teapot

The "Ancient Tripod Teapot" is modeled after the bronze tripods of the Shang and Zhou periods. Its body is sturdy and full, gracefully curved, and exudes a rustic elegance. Crafted with impeccable skill, it feels effortless and serene. The three legs provide stability and grandeur, balancing dexterity with magnanimity. The wide mouth and imposing knob atop the lid fully capture the grandeur of the tripod, while the spout takes on the traditional shape of a dragon spitting water, conveying a sense of timelessness and grandeur.

Craftsmanship is not something achieved overnight; it faces countless challenges and obstacles. The traditional crafts that have been passed down to this day are testament to the relentless efforts of artisans through the ages. Jiang Liwen inherits the virtue and craftsmanship of her mentors, developing and innovating within the tradition, injecting new elements into traditional crafts and making them shine with alluring brilliance in the new era. In the process of inheritance and development, she continuously challenges herself and embodies and interprets the artistic style of her school through her works.

Cloud Sea Dragon

Auspicious Dragon Teapot

Majestic Tiger Teapot

The "Majestic Tiger Teapot" adopts a square shape, but Jiang Liwen deliberately softens the edges with arcs, creating a rounded and harmonious form. This blend of squares and circles subtly echoes the Confucian philosophy of "acting with rectitude but with wisdom in flexibility," which advocates adhering to principles in life while also being adaptable in dealing with specific situations.

Tripod Lion Tripod Cauldron

"Instant Success on Horseback" draws inspiration from traditional folk motifs, featuring a monkey and a steed. The homophone between "monkey" and "high-ranking official" (hou in Chinese) and the phrase "on horseback" (meaning immediately) form a pun. The teapot body takes the shape of a galloping horse, with the spout resembling a horse's head and the handle its tail. The embedded lid symbolizes "appointment." The monkey perched atop the horse serves as the knob, signifying the imminent arrival of success and recognition. Drawing on folk themes, this piece is designed with precision, crafted with meticulous detail, and imbued with a sense of auspiciousness.

Instant Success on Horseback

Prosperous Era of Harmony

"The great art is formless, yet the transmission of craftsmanship requires aesthetic taste." Jiang Liwen, with her keen perception from a feminine perspective, pursues a grander vision and a broader horizon. Building upon the style of the Bao family, she masterfully balances form and strength, spirit and measure, presenting a visually striking harmony of softness and resilience in both design and craftsmanship that deeply resonates with the heart.

Having dedicated three decades to her art, Jiang Liwen has honed her craftsmanship amidst the ordinary. Today, she also takes on the role of mentor, imparting not only her life's skills but also the wisdom of conduct to her disciples. While devoting herself to the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage and nurturing a new generation of purple clay teapot creators, Jiang Liwen maintains a tranquil love for life and actively participates in public welfare activities organized by purple clay factories and communities, giving back to her hometown with sincerity. In Jiang Liwen's hands, a teapot not only carries on the ancient intangible cultural heritage but also imbues a rich sense of human warmth from her hometown.