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MASTER OF CERAMIC ARTS AND CRAFTS
Reviving a Lost Legacy — the Mastery of Yue Kiln Celadon
Chen Pengfei was born in 1963 in Zhejiang, China. He holds a university degree and has been engaged in ceramic research and production for over forty years. He currently serves as a Chinese master of ceramic arts and crafts, a representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage "Yue Kiln Celadon Firing Techniques" in Zhejiang Province. Under the guidance of domestic experts, he has devoted over forty years of effort to successfully reproducing representative works of Yue Kiln celadon from various periods. His replicated works have gained recognition and praise from multiple domestic museums and experts due to their resemblance in quality, form, and spirit. This has revitalized the "Pearl of the Porcelain World," Yue Kiln celadon, which had been lost for nearly a thousand years, and brought forth its brilliance once again.
Yue Ware History
Yue ware, a distinctive form of Chinese ceramics known for its celadon glaze, holds a significant place in the realm of southern Chinese pottery. While often referred to as "green porcelain," this label can be misleading, as its colors range from grey to olive to brown. This style of pottery originated from the Yue kilns in Northern Zhejiang, China, particularly in the Jiyuan area near Shaoxing. Its name stems from the historical Yue Kingdom during the Spring and Autumn period. Yue ware initially emulated bronze vessels with precision. However, it evolved into a true form of ceramic art, characterized by graceful shapes and intricate designs. Notably, it marked a pivotal shift in Chinese ceramics by introducing non-toxic glazing suitable for serving food and drink. Fired in dragon kilns at high temperatures, Yue ware achieved its celadon hues through an ash glaze composed of wood ash, clay, and possibly limestone. Its influence extended far beyond China, reaching regions as distant as the Middle East and East Africa, with shards even discovered in Iraq. Refined varieties, like the "Mi-se Yue ware" found in Famen Temple, featured a smooth and thin glaze in light colors. Moreover, Yue ware played a crucial role in cultural exchange, influencing Korean celadons, particularly in terms of glaze color, while inspiring the development of distinct Korean styles during the Koryo Dynasty. Today, Yue ware stands as a testament to ancient pottery techniques, serving as a bridge connecting cultures through its exquisite beauty and historical significance.
Examples of PengFei's Work
"Swan Lotus Brush Washer"
This pen washer, also known as a brush washer, features a graceful depiction of a swan resting its head on a lotus flower. With its slender neck and gently folded wings, it emanates elegance and serenity. The lotus serves as both a functional basin and a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Chinese culture.
「天鵝蓮花筆洗」
"Double-Handled Phoenix Vase"
Graceful and majestic, this phoenix vase boasts a classic form with its distinctive double handles, gently curving body, and slender neck. The handles, meticulously sculpted to resemble the outstretched neck of a phoenix, lend an air of grace and mythical splendor to the piece. The symmetrical proportions and harmonious contours contribute to its overall sense of aesthetic balance and harmony.
In Chinese traditions, phoenixes are rumored to bring prosperity, resilience, and new beginnings.
「雙耳鳳瓶」
"Ram-shaped Zun"
Zun is a type of ancient Chinese vessel, often used for ceremonial and ritual purposes. This piece exemplifies a harmonious blend of grace and strength, showcasing the gentle facial expression of the ram, which exude a profound sense of dignity and nobility. Symbolically, the ram is associated with auspicious qualities such as courage, prosperity, and protection, making this artwork not only visually striking but also spiritually meaningful.
「羊尊」
"Dragon Wash Basin"
Meticulously molded and sculpted, the dragon's fierce expression and finely crafted scales convey a sense of power, grace, and ancient wisdom. In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes strength, good fortune, and prosperity, making this artwork an embodiment of auspicious symbolism.
「貼塑龍型洗」
"Dragon and Phoenix Medallion”
This remarkable piece features a design depicting a harmonious duo of a dragon and a phoenix. The dragon, a symbol of power and prosperity, is intricately rendered with its sinuous body, sharp claws, and majestic presence. The phoenix, representing grace and beauty, is portrayed with its elegant wings, flowing tail, and serene countenance. Together, the dragon and phoenix symbolize the perfect balance of yin and yang, as well as marital bliss and harmony.
「龍鳳章」
"The Filial Ox”
This piece embodies the essence of grace and innocence, capturing the strong image of a gentle ox in all its splendor. The ox has been revered in Chinese culture for its associations with purity, fertility, and prosperity. The birds near the ox signify the balance and interconnectedness of different elements in the natural world, portraying a serene and harmonious coexistence between animals.
「孺子牛」
"Divine Beast Vessel”
The vessel features a captivating representation of a divine beast, a creature with mythical origins and spiritual significance. With its majestic presence and intricate detailing, the divine beast exudes a sense of power and mystique. The artist's skillful sculpting brings the creature to life, showcasing its sophisticated expression, intriguing form, and intricate patterns that adorn its limbs.
It welcomes positive energy, often associated with auspicious qualities such as power, protection, and good fortune.
「神獸尊」
"Dragon Handle Covered Pot”
The pot is adorned with a dragon-shaped handle and a raised lid, emphasizing the dragon theme. The body of the pot is uniquely shaped with melon-like ridges, enhancing its visual appeal. The dragon handle exhibits the serpent-like body and tail of a dragon, while the dragon's head features an open mouth and raised horns. The entire body of the dragon is meticulously decorated with scales, showcasing the artist's attention to detail. The pot also features a decorative motif of water ripples engraved on the shoulders and abdomen, further enhancing the imagery of waves and water. This design conveys the concept of a majestic dragon setting out on a voyage across the seas, symbolizing strength, power, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
「龍柄帶蓋壺」
"Twisted Ridge Incense Burner"
The Twisted Ridge Incense Burner is a rare and exquisite treasure. This spherical-shaped vessel showcases the remarkable artistry and meticulous craftsmanship of Yue ware celadon. The design of the incense burner features a domed lid with a unique half-spherical shape, adorned with intricate twisted ridge patterns delicately carved through the latticed openings. At the lower section of the incense burner, three layers of lotus petal patterns are meticulously carved, adding a touch of elegance and refinement.
「纏稜紋熏爐」
"Yue Ware Lotus Vessel"
The intricately encompassing lotus leaves engraved on the body, symbolizes purity and enlightenment in Chinese culture associated with purity rising from murky waters, inviting contemplation on the cyclical nature of life, growth, and spiritual awakening. The lid features a design intricately engraved with flower petals encircling a central seed, capturing the delicate form of a lotus flower. At the tip, a small bulb emerges, mimicking the natural progression of a lotus as it blooms. This elegant composition mirrors the lotus's graceful unfolding, symbolizing purity and renewal. The vessel's silhouette embodies the harmony found in nature, reflecting the Chinese aesthetic principle of balance and simplicity.
「越窯蓮花尊罐」
"Globe Vase”
The Globe Vase showcases a lustrous, reflective glaze that appears both sleek and polished, creating a balanced and visually appealing silhouette with its wide mouth, long neck, and gracefully rounded belly. The design is not only visually captivating but also symbolizes the impermanence and transient nature of existence, imbuing the artwork with a deeper philosophical meaning.
「天球瓶」
"Jade Spring Peony Vase"
This exquisite vase is adorned with enchanting imagery, capturing the essence of spring's vitality and renewal through blooming peonies. The delicate petals and detailing bring the peony flowers to life, infusing the piece with a sense of natural beauty. In Chinese culture, peonies hold deep symbolic significance, representing prosperity, love, and feminine grace. This artwork serves as a captivating ode to nature's bountiful charm, celebrating the lush beauty and timeless allure of these revered flowers.
「玉壺春牡丹瓶」
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