An arts and crafts master and the operator of Gongzi Xuan Purple Clay Studio in Yixing City, was born in 1989 into a renowned purple clay family in Dingshu. From a young age, she was immersed in the art of purple clay, influenced by her family's deep connection to the craft. Her grandfather, Lu Yugui, served in the revolutionary forces and participated in significant battles such as the Huaihai Campaign and the Crossing of the Yangtze River. He was awarded six prestigious medals for his bravery. In 1979, her grandfather transitioned to the field of purple clay and became the Party Secretary at Yixing Purple Clay Craft Factory. Her mother, Lu Wenqin, is a Senior Craftsman known for creating unique teapots. Several of her aunts and uncles are also engaged in purple clay artistry and hold the title of Senior Craftsman.
Growing up in such a prominent purple clay family, Yang Sheng began studying calligraphy and painting at the age of five. During her elementary school years, she would spend her free time sitting beside her mother, learning to make purple clay teapots. After graduating from university with a major in international finance and art design, she made the resolute decision to dedicate herself to the art of purple clay. She said, "Since I grew up in such a renowned purple clay family, I was born for purple clay." With her mother as her mentor, she established a solid foundation in teapot making. Her works gradually embodied the exquisite craftsmanship described in the poem by Su Dongpo: "Red clay opens into square seals, purple cakes are carved into round jade."
However, the deeper she delved into her studies, the more she became aware of her technical limitations. Consequently, she sought out accomplished artists to further her knowledge. She studied calligraphy and carving under the guidance of Zhang Jianhui, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, and learned pottery carving from Cha Yuankang, a Senior Craftsman. She seamlessly integrated calligraphy, painting, and pottery, ultimately gaining recognition and appreciation from esteemed masters in the teapot-making community.
Yang Sheng possesses an understanding of unearthing the beauty of simplicity while merging contemporary and traditional art forms, thus imprinting contemporary cultural symbols within the realm of classical Chinese teapot craftsmanship. She has integrated various artistic styles into her own unique approach, showcasing her artistic talent, diligence, and growth environment, which have contributed to her modest achievements on the path of purple clay artistry.
Every craftsman knows that making teapots is not just about the craftsmanship; it reflects the essence of the person creating it. A person without a refined and gentle heart cannot create teapots with true substance. Patience is required to achieve delicacy, and a kind heart is essential to handle the precious tea properly. Yang Sheng's purple clay teapots, much like her own character, exude a sense of elegance and virtue.
Quoting a statement from Yang Sheng herself: "To be a person, one must have the universe in their heart; to create a teapot, one must encompass the world within it."
Notable Awards and Honors:
- January 2010: Her work "Water Chestnut Flower Teapot" won first prize at the Tea Ware Competition of the 2010 Cross-Strait (Fujian) High-Quality Agricultural Products Trade Fair and China (Fujian) Tea Expo.
- July 2013: Donated a large-mouthed flat stone ladle teapot to the Wuxi Museum.
- January 2014: Donated ceramic artwork to the Yixing Disabled Persons' Federation during a charity event.
- January 2014: Honored as a member of the China Purple Clay Culture Research Association.
- April 2012: Her work "Ball-Picking Teapot" won a gold medal at the 5th Weifang Cultural and Art Exhibition and Exchange.
- September 2014: Her work "Rhythm" won a bronze medal at the 2nd China Ceramic Masters and Works Exhibition in 2014.
- October 2014: Her work "Ball-Picking Teapot" received the "China Crafts and Arts Gold Award" at the 16th China Arts and Crafts Masters Fine Products Expo.
- December 2014: Awarded the title of "Chinese Contemporary Ceramic Artist with the Most Collectible Value" in 2014.
- April 2015: Her work "Gathering Rhymes" won a "Gold Award" at the First Strait (Fujian) Three-Region Teapot and Tea Technology Academic Exchange.
