Cao Zhen caozhen0806@126.com MORE than 120 exquisite Yixing clay teapots created by Chinese handicrafts master Bao Zhiqiang and his top proteges are on display at Guan Shanyue Art Museum until this Sunday. Yixing teapots have deep roots in Chinese history. The craft gets its name from the region where this specific type of earthen clay is found, Yixing in East China’s Jiangsu Province. The craft as it is known today dates back to the 15th century, but archaeological excavations reveal that the first attempts at pottery in the region occurred as early as the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when potters near Yixing were using local clay to make utensils that may have functioned as teapots. Yixing clay teapots survive to present day because the art has been handed down through generations. They are known for being traditional, handcrafted household ware and for their fine quality. Historically, Yixing teapots were popular with the scholarly class. In addition to teapots, other vessels like jars, vases, figurines and decorations are also produced in the Yixing style. As a representative successor of the art of Yixing clay pottery, master Bao has been engaging in the craft for more than 50 years. His creations are renowned for combining immaculate design, calligraphy, carving, painting and ornamentation in each piece. Bao stresses the dominance of Yixing culture in the design of his pottery, which results in a distinguished style that is easy to recognize. His personal style also shines through, marked by the incorporation of Yixing cultural elegance and strong literati influences. At the Shenzhen exhibition, visitors can admire not only typical round-shaped teapots but also his chic cubic and polyangular teapots. Many of Bao’s creations have been collected by the National Museum of China and the Palace Museum. This exhibition, co-organized by industrial associations from Jiangsu Province and Yixing City, also carefully selected clay teapots made by Bao’s 30 students, which stand witness to the succession and development of traditional Yixing clay teapots. Dates: Until Sept. 10 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Venue: Guan Shanyue Art Museum, 6026 Hongli Road, Futian District (福田区红荔路6026号关山月美术馆) Metro: Line 3 or 4, Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit B | 