In the soft light, the green and black pig iron shows a rich and quiet texture, harking back to ancient times – in work that is both exquisite and ingenious, showcasing the craftsman's exceptional level of talent. [Photo/dzwww.com]
Qi Pingchuan, a 55-year-old iron teapot craftsman – based in Zibo city in East China's Shandong province – has been infatuated with this demanding traditional skill for decades, which gives life and vitality to iron artisanal art.
As the third generation of iron teapot craftsmen, Qi is currently curator of the local Qiyuantang Iron Pot Museum.
Walking into the museum in Longquan town, in Zibo's Zichuan district, there are nearly 10,000 iron teapot works on display – offering an overwhelming window into the colorful world of pot culture.
Qi Pingchuan skillfully crafts an iron teapot. [Photo provided to shandong.chinadaily.com.cn]
On the basis of his research into traditional teapot-making, Qi draws lessons from the advanced technology behind iron teapot production all over the world, innovates boldly and combines traditional technology with modern technology.
The production skill has also been included on the provincial list of intangible cultural heritage.
He has designed and produced more than 300 kinds of iron teapots with novel styles, deep meaning and innovative, arresting shapes – with names like Rectangular Sky and Orbicular Earth, Happy Life and Radiant with Joy – which have become unique works of art that are exported to more than 20 countries and regions, including Europe and the US.
An iron teapot with a Chinese dragon design. [Photo provided to shandong.chinadaily.com.cn]
