Cao Xiufen was born in 1968 into a renowned purple clay family in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. Growing up surrounded by the art of Yixing clay, she became deeply influenced by it. In 2021, she achieved the title of "Senior Technician" and became a member of the China Craft and Art Association.
In 1986, Cao joined a Yixing clay workshop, where she received guidance from the nationally recognized master of craft and art, Mr. Xu Hantang. Through years of dedication to teapot making, she established a solid foundation. Later, she studied under the guidance of Mr. Xu Jiansheng, a national-level craft and art master, focusing on the design and creation of Yixing clay teapots. Over the course of more than three decades, she tirelessly explored and practiced, combining tradition with contemporary elements. Her works are known for their elegance, exquisite craftsmanship, and have received high praise from industry professionals.
Throughout her artistic career, Cao Xiufen has received special training from cultural research experts at the Palace Museum and the master's degree supervisor at the Chinese Artists Research Institute, Mr. Yu Fuchun. This training not only enhanced her artistic background but also deeply influenced her artistic taste in Yixing clay. She is currently a member of Mr. Yu Fuchun's Imperial Purple Clay Workshop at the Palace Museum.
Her notable achievements include:
- In 2018, her work "Purple Qi Comes from the East" won the Gold Award at the 7th "China Golden Art Awards" International Craft and Art Innovation Design Competition.
- In 2019, her work "Auspicious Clouds and Winds" won the Gold Award at the 10th International Mineral Gemstone and Creative Art Exhibition.
- In 2019, her work "Rising Sun" won the First Prize at the 8th China (Beijing) International Fine Ceramics Exhibition and the "Earth Award" Ceramic Creation and Innovation Design Competition.
- Her work "Longevity Teapot" was permanently collected by Hubei Provincial Museum in 2019.
- In 2020, her works "Dragon of Auspiciousness Teapot" and "Blessings Teapot" won the Gold Award at the 2nd "Yixiang Yise" Youth Ceramic Art Exhibition in Dalian, as well as the Youth Ceramic Art Exhibition in Yixing.
- Her work "Autumn Bamboo with Carrying Handle" obtained a design patent certificate in 2019.
- Her works "Rising Sun" and "Purple Qi Comes from the East" also received design patent certificates in 2019.
