Biography

Chen Jianxiong (陈剑雄) is a contemporary Jian Zhan artist associated with Shuiji in Jianyang, Fujian. His work is centered on highly iridescent kiln-transformation glazes, especially 幻彩曜变 (“Illusion Color Transformation”) and 星痕曜变 (“Star-Trace Yaobian”).

He is affiliated with the Jianyang Jian Zhan Association and the China Ceramic Arts and Cultural Development Center and holds the professional title Senior Arts & Crafts Artist. He is also described as a “Decade Ceramic Art Master.”

Glaze & Visual Language

Chen’s fired surfaces can move through blue, violet, green, gold and silver as the viewing angle changes. In lower light a bowl may appear comparatively restrained; under stronger directional light, additional rings, spots, streaks and color fields emerge. The effect is produced through the fired glaze rather than painted surface decoration.

His work also includes 星痕曜变 and gold oil-drop Jian Zhan, broadening the known range of his contemporary glaze practice.

Recognition

In 2019, Chen’s work was credited with a gold prize at the China Beijing Ceramic Art Exhibition and a third prize in the Qianwan Cup competition associated with the China Collectors Association.

Design Registrations

Two 2021 design registrations are associated with his work: “Aurora”, patent/design number ZL 2021 3 0210973.9, with a listed grant date of July 27, 2021; and “Starlight Transformation”, ZL 2021 3 0273693.2, with a listed grant date of August 24, 2021.

Craft & Firing

Chen’s practice follows a multi-stage Jian ware process using local materials, forming, drying, glazing and high-temperature kiln firing. Variations in glaze thickness, temperature, kiln position, atmosphere and cooling contribute to the individuality of the finished surface.

Marks & Identification

His Chinese name is written 陈剑雄. Certificates, design documentation and the complete vessel should be considered together when identifying individual works.

References