About the Artist: Yuan Wenhui (袁文辉)

Founder of Jiuzhou Kiln (九洲窑) · Creator of “Guocui Mudan” Jian Ware

Yuan Wenhui is a distinguished ceramic artist known for his innovation in Jianzhan (建盏) glaze techniques. He founded the Jiuzhou Kiln and developed the renowned “Guocui Mudan” (国粹牡丹) style, fusing traditional Song Dynasty craftsmanship with modern aesthetics and chemistry.

Titles & Distinctions

  • Chinese Folk Arts Association Artist
  • National First-Class Senior Technician
  • Judge in National Vocational Skills Competitions
  • Mid-Level Arts & Crafts Master
  • Renowned Artist of Nanping City
  • Fujian Provincial Ceramic Artist
  • Founder of Jiuzhou Kiln & Guocui Mudan glaze

Glaze Innovations & Representative Works

  • Guocui Mudan (国粹牡丹) – “Only the peony bears true national color; when it blooms, it moves the capital.” Rich crystallization inspired by the peony flower.
  • Jin Mudan (金牡丹) – Golden peony pattern with dense bloom and metallic luster.
  • Yangcai (养彩图) – Multicolored glaze with fiery rainbows and cosmic hues.
  • Sunfire Red (阳光红) – A vivid fiery red glaze that changes in light and reveals depth with tea.
  • Galaxy Series:
    • Milky Way / Xinghe (星河) – Cosmic red and black center with floating stardust droplets.
    • Lanpo (蓝珀) – “Blue Amber,” a radiant blue-and-white crystal glaze.
    • Shangshan (上善) – Ethereal blue light radiating from the center, symbolizing purity and cosmic order.
  • Sunflower Glaze (向阳花) – Bold yellow floral crystal inspired by the sunflower’s radiance and hope.

Awards & Recognition

From 2016–2022, Yuan Wenhui received over 15 prestigious honors including gold medals in national arts and crafts exhibitions, permanent museum collections, and top design competitions. His pieces have been celebrated at the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo, the World Ceramic Design Expo, and more.

Artistic Philosophy

Yuan’s work is deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation. He believes in carrying forward a regional craft while constantly refining it through experimentation and aesthetics. His glazes reflect cosmic beauty, natural rhythms, and poetic depth — each piece a balance of fire, earth, and vision.

Whether the petal burst of a peony, the spark of the galaxy, or the shimmering glow of a blue gem, Yuan Wenhui’s Jianzhan cups are meditative, collectible, and unforgettable.