About the Artist

Cai Xiang (蔡翔), born in 1985, is a Jian ware artist, Jianyang District representative inheritor of Jian kiln and Jian ware firing technique, and a senior arts-and-crafts artist. He studied under Fujian provincial representative inheritor Xu Jiayou (许家有) and is associated with Yuanding Jian Ware Ceramic Factory (元定建盏陶瓷厂) in Jianyang.

Lineage & Practice

Cai belongs to the teaching lineage of Xu Jiayou, whose practice is strongly associated with the continuation of traditional Jian ware and dragon-kiln wood firing. Cai’s documented work includes rabbit-hair Jian ware and technical exploration of gray-toned rabbit-hair effects.

Technical Work

A patent publication naming Cai Xiang as inventor documents a preparation process for gray rabbit-hair Jian ware (灰被毫建盏). The process uses iron-rich local materials and controlled firing to produce a gray-blue glaze with clearly developed hair-like crystallization, providing unusually detailed documentation of one aspect of Cai’s glaze and firing research.

Recognition

In 2024, Fujian authorities officially confirmed Cai Xiang, listed with Yuanding Jian Ware Ceramic Factory, as a senior arts-and-crafts artist (高级工艺美术师), with the qualification effective September 21, 2024.

References