ARTISTS & KILNS
Liu Aijun 刘爱君
Jian Ware Artist · Junxi Kiln (君兮窑) · Wood-Fired Ceramics
About the Artist
Liu Aijun (刘爱君) is a contemporary Chinese Jian ware ceramic artist associated with Junxi Kiln (君兮窑). Her documented work includes traditional dragon-kiln wood-fired ceramics and distinctive tea vessel forms influenced by the Jian ware tradition.
Her name appears in the 2017 first “I Have Craftsmanship” Jian ware competition, where a work titled Caijin Fuchen (彩金浮尘) was included among the participating entries. This provides an early public record of her ceramic practice.
Later presentations of her work highlight the relationship between vessel design, kiln atmosphere, and the distinctive surfaces produced by iron-rich glazes. Her ceramics explore both traditional Jian ware characteristics and contemporary interpretations of tea bowl forms.
Junxi Kiln & Firing Practice
Liu Aijun is publicly associated with Junxi Kiln (君兮窑). A September 2023 presentation identifies her with dragon-kiln wood-fired Jian ware and features a distinctive cup form known as the Jun Dou Cup (君斗杯).
Traditional dragon kilns are elongated wood-fired kilns constructed along sloping ground. Heat moves through the kiln during firing, creating changing temperatures and atmospheric conditions that affect the development of ceramic glazes.
In Jian ware, these conditions interact with iron-rich glaze compositions to produce intricate streaks, crystalline formations, metallic coloration, and iridescent effects. Wood firing is documented in Liu Aijun’s work, although the firing method of every individual piece has not been established.
Glazes & Artistic Characteristics
Photographs associated with Liu Aijun’s ceramics show contrasting interpretations of traditional Jian ware surfaces.
One bowl displays a warm amber and copper-colored interior with delicate dark markings radiating toward a glossy black center. The fine streaking creates depth and movement across the surface.
Another example features a muted silver-gray glaze with an iridescent blue-white central formation. Darker streaks surround the luminous center, creating a dramatic contrast between the metallic background and the concentrated area of color.
These surfaces illustrate the range of effects possible in contemporary iron-glazed Jian ware. Specific glaze recipes and official glaze names for the photographed examples have not been independently documented.
Documented Works & Vessel Forms
Caijin Fuchen (彩金浮尘) — Listed as entry 215 under Liu Aijun’s name in the 2017 first “I Have Craftsmanship” Jian ware competition collection. The listing establishes participation but does not independently confirm an award.
Jun Dou Cup (君斗杯) — A distinctive vessel form presented in September 2023 in connection with Liu Aijun and Junxi Kiln. The presentation identifies the featured piece as dragon-kiln wood-fired.
Marks, Signatures & Documentation
A collection certificate photographed alongside the ceramics includes a handwritten signature beneath the printed heading 作者签章 (Artist’s Signature or Seal).
The document is titled 收藏证书 (Collection Certificate). Its main text describes the development of Jian ware from the late Tang period through the Song dynasty and references traditional glaze categories including rabbit’s fur and oil spot.
The certificate also includes the wording 国家级非物质文化遗产 (National Intangible Cultural Heritage). This identifies the recognized ceramic tradition rather than confirming a personal heritage-inheritor designation for the artist.
The handwritten signature may assist with comparison against other documented examples. A corresponding impressed base mark has not yet been independently verified.
Artist Media & Documentation
