Since 1955, the Jiangsu Yixing Number One Yixing Factory has been known as the "Cradle of Masters" in the Yixing Clay industry.
Over the past sixty years, it has witnessed the rise and fall of contemporary Yixing Clay development; it has seen generations of Yixing Clay artisans steadfastly uphold and pass down their craftsmanship; and it has observed the glory and brilliance of Yixing Clay in the history of Chinese ceramics.
History
1955 - 1982
1982 - 1987
1987 - 1997
1997 - 2002
Founded
by seven master artisans—Wu Yungen, Pei Shimin, Ren Ganting, Wang Yinchun, Zhu Kexin, Gu Jingzhou, and Jiang Rong—the collective cooperative brought together the best Zisha potters and carvers of the time. Later, it was renamed the Jiangsu Yixing Clay Craft Factory (also known as the No.1 Factory nowadays).
Collective Cooperation and Initial Development Stage
The factory merged with 28 other privately-owned Clay factories to form the Yixing clay Factory, with 299 apprentices at that time.
Export and Brand Creation Stage
The factory focused primarily on exports, mainly to Hong Kong and Japan, with products labeled "made in China." Most products destined for Taiwan entered through Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam. During this period, the primary mark used was "Yixing·China." The high-end teaware produced by the Yixing Clay Factory won a national gold award.
Transformation and Diversification Stage
Yixing Clay craftsmanship entered a new phase of development, with extensive use of techniques like mixing Clay and applying sand, enriching the variety of clay used. The Yixing No.1 Factory ended its state-run operations, transitioned to private ownership, and entered a period of rapid development in the new China, adapting to the new market environment.
