Biography

Lai Xiaobo (赖晓波) is a Jian Zhan maker from Shuiji, Jianyang, the historic center of the Jian kiln tradition. He grew up immersed in local ceramic culture, and a family connection to pottery led him toward the full making process, from clay preparation and throwing to glaze work and firing.

In 2013, under his father’s guidance, Lai began producing classical glaze styles including 兔毫 (hare’s fur), 银毫 (silver streaks) and 油滴 (oil spot). By 2018 his attention had shifted increasingly toward traditional dragon-kiln wood firing.

Materials & Wood Firing

Lai’s work emphasizes local clay, iron-rich bodies and raw mineral glaze materials. Dragon-kiln firing adds a second layer of variability: flame path, wood ash, kiln position and atmosphere can change the final surface even when forms and glaze preparation begin similarly.

His wood-fired work includes silver-blue oil-drop Jian Zhan produced in a dragon-kiln context.

Studio & Practice

Lai operates within the contemporary Jianyang ceramic community and is connected with 思阳建盏陶瓷工作室. His practice combines classical Jian glaze families with the less predictable surfaces created by wood firing, and his work has circulated through artisan markets and collector platforms.

Marks & Identification

The maker name, firing provenance, base, certificate and complete vessel are the most useful identification set for individual pieces.

References