About the Artist: Zhu Xincong (朱信丛)
National First-Class Senior Technician · Fujian Provincial Arts & Crafts Master
Zhu Xincong (朱信丛), born in January 1963 in Jianyang, Fujian, is a nationally certified First‑Class Senior Technician and esteemed Provincial Arts & Crafts Master. A specialist in Jianzhan ware appraisal and official inheritor of Jian Yao Jian Zhan intangible cultural heritage, he leads Zhu Brother Jianzhan Ceramics Co., Ltd since 2011.
Credentials & Titles
- 国家一级/高级技师 • National Level‑1 / Senior Technician
- 国家高级工艺美术师 • National Master of Arts & Crafts
- 福建省工艺美术大师 • Fujian Provincial Master of Arts & Crafts
- 福建省技艺名师 • Fujian Provincial Craftsmanship Master
- 福建省金牌工人 • Fujian Provincial “Gold Star” Worker
- 福建省陶瓷艺术大师 • Fujian Provincial Ceramic Art Master
- 南平市劳动模范 • Nanping Model Worker
- 建盏鉴定专家 • Jianzhan Appraisal Specialist
- 国家非物质文化遗产建盏代表传承人 • National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Inheritor of Jian Zhan
Biography
In 1999, Zhu began apprenticing under masters in traditional dragon kiln firing and carving techniques. Through decades of dedication — from clay selection to wheelwork and kiln control — he revived ancient Song‑style glazes such as rabbit‑fur, oil‑spot, floral‑brocade, and soaring “starlight” effects.
Embracing the motto “见盏如见人” (seeing the cup is seeing the maker), Zhu tackled the complex “Starlight” series alone, spending months in his studio refining the technique and rekindling poetic Song‑Tang elegance in each piece.
Artistic Vision
Zhu Xincong believes in balancing ancient craftsmanship and modern market relevance: “We respect tradition without copying blindly; based on heritage, we create, surpass, and explore.” He sees Jian ware as both a cultural legacy and a living art — meant to speak across time, reflecting the spirit of his era through clay, fire, glaze, and form.
Signature Styles
- Oil-Spot (兔毫, 油滴): shimmering silvery rays on a deep ink-black surface
- Flower-Brocade (花团锦簇): dense golden speckles resembling starlit blossoms
- Starlight (“星光”) Series: deep blue glaze dotted with iridescent star points under midnight hues
- Modern Jian‑Yao Forms: traditional bowls and cups shaped with contemporary sensitivity
