Chen Jianxiong

Artist Information

Location:
Shuiji Town, Jianyang, Fujian, China

Affiliations:
Jianyang Jian Zhan Association and China Ceramic Arts and Cultural Development Center

Professional Titles:
Documentation associated with the artist lists Senior Arts & Crafts Artist
and “Decade Ceramic Art Master.”

Specialty:
Jian Zhan with highly iridescent kiln-transformation glazes associated with
幻彩曜变, or “Illusion Color Transformation.”

About Chen Jianxiong

Chen Jianxiong is a Jian Zhan artist working in Shuiji Town in Jianyang,
Fujian, one of the historic centers of Jian ware production.

He is particularly associated with richly colored kiln-transformation
glazes described as 幻彩曜变. These surfaces can reveal dramatic
layers of blue, violet, green, gold, silver and other iridescent tones
depending on the firing and the angle of light.

The appearance of an individual piece can change noticeably as it is moved.
Patterns may resemble oil spots, streaks of light, clouds or abstract
landscapes created through the interaction of glaze, clay and kiln atmosphere.

Because these effects depend heavily on glaze chemistry, temperature,
atmosphere and cooling conditions, pieces produced from the same glaze
family can develop distinctly different surfaces.

Illusion Color Transformation

Chen Jianxiong’s work is especially recognized for complex optical color
effects produced within the fired glaze rather than through painted surface
decoration.

Under softer lighting, a cup may appear relatively dark and restrained.
Under stronger or directional light, additional colors and patterns can
emerge across the glaze.

This changing appearance is a defining visual characteristic of the work.
Rather than presenting as one fixed color, the fired surface can reveal
different layers as the viewing angle and lighting change.

Recognition

Documentation associated with Chen Jianxiong states that his work
“Illusion Colors” received recognition in 2019.

• Gold Prize
  China Beijing Ceramic Art Exhibition
• Bronze Prize
  Qianwan Cup competition associated with the China Collectors Association

Documented Designs

Reference material associated with Chen Jianxiong lists the following
patented designs.

Craft & Firing

Jian Zhan is produced through a demanding sequence of material preparation,
forming, drying, glazing and high-temperature firing.

Chen Jianxiong’s artist materials describe his work through a traditional
multi-stage Jian ware process using local materials and kiln firing to
develop the final surface.

Differences in glaze thickness, position within the kiln, temperature and
atmosphere can influence the finished appearance. These variations are
part of what gives individual Jian Zhan pieces their distinctive character.

Jian Zhan Tradition

Jian ware has a long history in Jianyang and became especially prominent
during the Song dynasty, when dark-glazed tea bowls were closely connected
with the tea culture of the period.

Modern Jian Zhan artists continue to work with the distinctive clay,
mineral-rich glazes and high-temperature firing techniques associated with
the region while also developing new glaze effects.

Chen Jianxiong’s highly iridescent work represents one contemporary
direction within that continuing tradition.

Certificate & Documentation

The complete certificate and supporting documentation associated with
Chen Jianxiong is preserved below.

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full image.