{"product_id":"zisha-teapot-by-level-1a-grandmasters-mao-guo-qiang","title":"Zisha teapot by Level 1A Grandmasters, MAO Guo-Qiang 毛国强 通灵宝玉","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"304\" data-start=\"232\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"302\" data-start=\"236\"\u003eMaster Mao Guo-Qiang – The Literati Artisan of Zisha \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"622\" data-start=\"306\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"323\" data-start=\"306\"\u003eMao Guo-Qiang\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known by his art name \u003cem data-end=\"364\" data-start=\"352\"\u003eYi Su (一粟)\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong data-end=\"571\" data-start=\"529\"\u003ecraftsmanship and calligraphic culture\u003c\/strong\u003e that defines the literati spirit of Chinese art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"880\" data-start=\"624\"\u003eHe holds the titles of \u003cstrong data-end=\"703\" data-start=\"647\"\u003eNational Master of Arts and Crafts (2018, 7th batch)\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-end=\"757\" data-start=\"708\"\u003eNational Ceramic Art Master (2010, 2nd batch)\u003c\/strong\u003e, and attained \u003cstrong data-end=\"814\" data-start=\"772\"\u003eSenior Research-Level Master (Level 1)\u003c\/strong\u003e status in 2005 — the highest distinction for artisans in China.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1332\" data-start=\"882\"\u003eMao began his artistic training in 1958 at the \u003cstrong data-end=\"953\" data-start=\"929\"\u003eYixing Zisha Factory\u003c\/strong\u003e, apprenticing under the legendary \u003cstrong data-end=\"1004\" data-start=\"988\"\u003eRen Gan-Ting\u003c\/strong\u003e, a formative influence that grounded his mastery in both form and inscription. In 1987, he furthered his studies at the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1159\" data-start=\"1125\"\u003eHenan Institute of Calligraphy\u003c\/strong\u003e, under the mentorship of \u003cstrong data-end=\"1202\" data-start=\"1185\"\u003eChen Tian-Ran\u003c\/strong\u003e, deepening his understanding of brush rhythm and aesthetic balance — traits that became the hallmark of his ceramic engravings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1738\" data-start=\"1334\"\u003eOver a career spanning more than five decades, Master Mao has won numerous national and international awards, including the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1496\" data-start=\"1458\"\u003eNational Ceramic Design Gold Prize\u003c\/strong\u003e and the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1534\" data-start=\"1505\"\u003eWest Lake Expo Gold Award\u003c\/strong\u003e. His works are housed in prestigious collections such as the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1613\" data-start=\"1596\"\u003ePalace Museum\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"1633\" data-start=\"1615\"\u003eTianjin Museum\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"1670\" data-start=\"1635\"\u003eZiguang Pavilion at Zhongnanhai\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"1698\" data-start=\"1672\"\u003eLos Angeles Art Museum\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1735\" data-start=\"1708\"\u003eAsia-Pacific Art Museum\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1995\" data-start=\"1740\"\u003eHis art transcends craft — combining \u003cstrong data-end=\"1826\" data-start=\"1777\"\u003epoetry, calligraphy, painting, and Zisha form\u003c\/strong\u003e into one unified expression. The vigor of his carving lines reveals both strength and grace, with a style often described as \u003cem data-end=\"1993\" data-start=\"1952\"\u003e“majestic yet fluid, bold yet refined.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2436\" data-start=\"1997\"\u003eThroughout his career, Master Mao collaborated with iconic artists such as \u003cstrong data-end=\"2087\" data-start=\"2072\"\u003eLu Yan-Shao\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"2105\" data-start=\"2089\"\u003eCheng Shi-Fa\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"2119\" data-start=\"2107\"\u003eTang Yun\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"2136\" data-start=\"2121\"\u003eHan Mei-Lin\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong data-end=\"2154\" data-start=\"2142\"\u003eFan Zeng\u003c\/strong\u003e, blending calligraphic and pictorial art into the unique cultural form of literati Zisha. His monumental works, including \u003cem data-end=\"2310\" data-start=\"2277\"\u003e“Lion and Elephant Jade Tripod”\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem data-end=\"2341\" data-start=\"2315\"\u003e“Hundred Longevity Vase”\u003c\/em\u003e, are permanently displayed at \u003cstrong data-end=\"2392\" data-start=\"2372\"\u003eZiguang Pavilion\u003c\/strong\u003e, the state reception hall in Zhongnanhai.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2663\" data-start=\"2438\"\u003eMao Guo-Qiang’s creative philosophy is clear: \u003cem data-end=\"2534\" data-start=\"2484\"\u003e“Clay carries culture, and form carries spirit.”\u003c\/em\u003e His teapots embody a dialogue between strength and serenity — each one an artifact of Chinese elegance and intellectual depth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OVP","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41078045048890,"sku":null,"price":16300.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1587\/1309\/files\/WhatsAppImage2025-10-31at11.53.25PM_1.jpg?v=1761926522","url":"https:\/\/ovp.mom\/products\/zisha-teapot-by-level-1a-grandmasters-mao-guo-qiang","provider":"OVP Tea","version":"1.0","type":"link"}