Master Ye – Artist Q&A
1. When did you begin firing Jian Zhan, and why did you choose this path?
English:
I began firing Jian Zhan in 2017. I chose this path because I was born in Shuiji and was exposed to old Jian cups from a young age. I have always loved working with clay. In 2016, after closing my garment factory in Jiangsu, my first thought was to dedicate myself to Jian Zhan. It allows me to stay close to my family while turning my passion into a profession. That is a very happy thing.
中文原文：
一，我是从2017年开始烧制建盏，选择建盏是因为出生在水吉从小有接触到老盏，又喜欢泥巴，所以，2016年把江苏的制衣工厂关闭后，第一想法就是烧制建盏，可以陪伴家人又可以把爱好当职业很幸福。
2. Which parts of the process do you personally complete?
English:
We use several crystalline glaze formulas. I personally complete clay preparation, wheel throwing, and trimming. Of course, I also fire the kiln, which is my favorite part of the entire process.
中文原文：
二，我们有几种带晶体的釉面所用到的原料 练泥 拉坯包括修胚一定是亲自完成的，当然还有烧窑我最喜欢的环节。
3. What clay do you prefer and why?
English:
Because Jian Zhan focuses on crystalline glazes, I primarily select local yellow clay with a high iron content. When fired, this clay body produces a color and texture that feels both rustic and refined. Due to its high iron content and compatibility with crystalline glaze effects, it is my main clay material.
中文原文：
三，因为建盏是以结晶釉面为主，所以我首选当地的含铁量比较高的黄泥，这种泥烧出来的胎体从颜色和质感既古朴又高端，也是因为含铁量较高，我们又也会以这种泥料为主。
4. What is most important during the firing process?
English:
During firing, lower temperatures only require reaching the proper range within the appropriate time. The heating curve must match the needs of the glaze. The most critical stage is holding the temperature during the final 10 degrees before reaching the target temperature. This is when I observe the glaze surface, watching the size of the bubbles and the flow of the glaze. The rhythm of adding wood becomes especially important once the desired temperature is reached. Kiln placement must also be determined according to the glaze type, the temperature required, and the atmosphere needed.
中文原文：
四，烧制过程中低温只要时间段达到温度就行，也就是升温曲线按照釉面的需求来，最重要的还是达到所要的温度前10度这段时间的保温，取火标也是这个时间段看看釉面的气孔的大小和釉面的流动，投柴的节奏是到达所需要的温度后才比较讲究。装窑的位置得结合你的釉面和所需要的温度和氛围。
5. How do you determine the level or quality of a piece?
English:
For me, a good work is evaluated by how well the glaze surface harmonizes with the form of the vessel. A cup with an excellent glaze and good hand feel should not have its level denied simply because of minor imperfections.
中文原文：
五，我认为的一只好的作品一定是以釉面在结合器形来区分等级，一直好的釉面上手感又好的盏就算是有瑕疵，也不能否定他的级别。
6. What do you pursue when firing the kiln?
English:
When firing, I pursue the specific temperature and atmosphere I have in mind. Only by reaching a particular atmosphere can a specific type of work emerge. That sense of achieving the right conditions is what makes firing feel like a conquest, and that is where the true joy of kiln firing lies.
中文原文：
六，烧窑时，我追求的是我想要的温度和气氛，因为达到特定的气氛才有可能出特定的作品，我认为这样烧窑才有征服感才有烧窑的乐趣。
Professional Background
Name: Ye Ming (叶明)
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Han
Birth: February 1984
Place of Origin: Fujian, China
Early Career & Transition to Jian Zhan
Before dedicating himself fully to Jian Zhan, Ye Ming operated a garment factory in Jiangsu Province. In 2016, he closed the factory and returned to Shuiji, Jianyang to focus on traditional Jian ware firing, turning his lifelong exposure to old Jian cups and his love of clay into a full-time profession.
Training & Kiln Experience
2017 – Began firing Jian Zhan in Shuiji, primarily wood-firing oil spot (油滴) works.
2019 – Fired Jian Zhan at Guyi Kiln (古窑), focusing on wood firing.
2021–2023 – Fired at Huangshan kiln site in Jianyang, producing cracked glaze (裂焰釉) works.
2022 – Studied under Master Chen Wen (陈文). Master Chen Wen is a disciple of Chen Dapeng (陈大鹏).
2023 – Established electric kiln and wood kiln facilities at Jianyang Dongqiao Tea Factory (建阳区东桥茶厂).
2023–2026 – Continues wood firing under his own name, Ye Ming.
Association Membership
Ye Ming is a member applicant of the Jianyang District Jian Kiln Jian Ware Association (南平市建阳区建窑建盏协会), reflecting his active participation in the regional Jian ware community.
Ye Ming (叶明) is a master of wood-fired Jianzhan, a revered ceramic tradition rooted in centuries of Chinese artistry. He blends deep knowledge of ancient kiln techniques with a quiet passion for innovation. His pieces are born through elemental conversation — fire, clay, and time — and no two are ever alike.
Every Jianzhan teacup he creates is a reflection of natural balance: intense yet subtle, disciplined yet spontaneous, traditional yet personal.
Ye Ming specializes in:
- Custom orders tailored to collectors and tea lovers
- One-of-a-kind wood-fired finishes with unpredictable metallic patterns
- Teacups that honor Song dynasty heritage while pushing artistic boundaries
Behind his work is a deep belief: that the vessel one drinks from holds just as much spirit as the tea itself. His Jianzhan cups are not only tools for tea but objects of meditation, warmth, and quiet power.
