Fan Weiqun, an inheritor of purple clay pottery production techniques. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
Fan Weiqun, an inheritor of purple clay pottery production techniques in Yixing, Wuxi, has been making efforts to preserve and promote the ancient techniques.
In 1990, Fan established the Fan Family Purple Clay Teapot Workshop in Yixing's Xiwang village, where 80 percent of households are engaged in the making of purple clay pottery.
Fan encouraged local villagers to carry out research and improve upon purple clay teapots in an effort to promote traditional production techniques.
In Xiwang village, numerous famous purple clay teapot makers have sprung up throughout history, among whom Fan Guangshan and Fan Qinren born in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) are the most notable.
The two purple clay teapot makers were together dubbed Fan Dasheng. With their delicate designs, they secured six top international awards.
Fan Weiqun is the fourth-generation inheritor of Fan Dasheng purple clay teapot production techniques.
After 30 years of study and practice, Fan is now able to produce exquisite and elegant purple clay teapots and he himself has been honored as a master of arts and crafts in Jiangsu and enjoys a special allowance from the State Council, China's Cabinet.
Fan's works have been collected by the British Museum, American Museum of Ceramic Art, National Museum of Korea, and Ziguangge Pavilion in the Zhongnanhai leadership compound of China.
The handicraftsman has also trained his daughter into a skilled purple clay potter.
