Ceramics carving is an artform practiced not only in China but also in other parts of the world. It was introduced into Europe as early as the 18th century. Li Ziyuan is a master of the form and his expertise has long been recognized. For example in 1982 he took first prize at the 34th International Handicraft Fair in Munich, Germany, winning much acclaim from his German hosts.
The city of Zibo in Shandong Province has been known as the “Ceramics Capitol” since ancient times. Master Li was born in Zibo so it was no surprise that he was involved in the International Ceramics Exposition held there from August 31 to September 4, 2002. This event marked the occasion for the work of Li and other ceramics carvers to spark a powerful new public appreciation of their very special art.
With the support of the provincial government, ceramics carving has become a big industry in Zibo since its introduction to the city in 1976. It now provides employment for nearly 2,000 people.
Li said, “Nonetheless, despite the popularity of this year’s ceramics exposition, variations in quality could be seen in the work of the different carvers. There is room for improvement in levels of technical competence.”
He added, “Training in the skills of traditional Chinese painting is the first step towards learning ceramics carving. For this I owe a great deal to my father, a geological engineer under the Japanese occupation. He encouraged me to practice drawing from childhood. My other mentor in traditional painting was Li Zuoquan. He taught me the techniques of painting on porcelain when I worked with him in the Zibo Ceramics Factory in the 1960s. Drawing, engraving or drilling, and coloring are the basic procedures of ceramics carving. As mineral pigments are used, ceramics keep their original fresh appearance much longer than oil paintings.”
It is indicative of Li’s care for his art that he may take one or even two weeks to finish a single portrait. Over the years Li’s works have been chosen by the Chinese government for use as gifts of the state. In all since 1979 no fewer than 114 of his pieces have carried the goodwill of his country to recipients in such countries as the US, Japan, Italy, The Czech Republic, Germany and Thailand.
His personal favorite is a brush pot no more than 8 inches high. On this Li has inscribed The Analects of Confucius. This is a body of quotations from Confucius and his followers compiled around the Warring States Period (475-221 BC).
Ceramics carving emerged as a unique branch of court art in the Qing Dynasty in the 13th year of the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795). This first imperial patron of the art form was a collector of ceramics work of all types. According to Li the form draws on influences from traditional Chinese painting, seal cutting and calligraphy. In the 28th year of Emperor Guangxu (1875-1908), China’s first school of arts and crafts, Gongyi Xuetang, was established. Its curriculum included ceramics carving.
With the fall of the Qing Dynasty, many former royal ceramics carvers were left out of work and stranded in the streets of Beijing. Ceramics carvings were too highly priced to find a ready market and the supply of porcelain was limited. As the old carvers passed away, their art became lost with them. Ceramics carving itself died out in its birthplace Beijing.
Fortunately Shi Ke, a well-known epigraphist, saved ceramics carving by bringing it to Qingdao in Shandong Province in the late 1920s. This revival was facilitated by his introduction of the alloy engraving tool as a substitute for the expensive diamond chisel that had previously been in general use.
A graduate of the Zibo Ceramics Industry School, Li was sent to Qingdao in 1976 by Gao Qiyun, then vice-governor of Shandong. He was charged to learn the old skills of ceramics carving from Shi Ke before this unique art form disappeared altogether.
Li now 58 is still full of vitality. Everyday at 6.30 a.m. he starts work in his spacious office located at the northern foot of Dupo Hill in Zichuan. He will not return home until 11 p.m. Besides his own creative work, Li has also taken on various responsibilities for teaching young people the techniques of ceramics carving.
In 1985 Li founded the Institute of Arts and Crafts in Zibo. In January 1994 he went on to establish the Li Ziyuan Art Center in Zichuan, his home district in Zibo. The center covers an area of 1,494 square meters and has fixed assets worth over 3 million yuan (US$375,000). Li also founded the Li Ziyuan Art School in 1999. It offers courses in ceramics carving, pottery etc.
In 1992 Li was awarded the title of “Master of Arts and Crafts of China” and granted support from the Chinese government.
(china.org.cn by staff reporter Shao Da, September 27, 2002)
