About Zhan Yanfu
Born in 1962, Zhan Yanfu is a nationally recognized master in the field of traditional Chinese ceramics, especially renowned for his work with Song Dynasty Jian Zhan ware. He holds the prestigious titles of National First-Class Technician, Senior Arts and Crafts Artist, and Senior Ceramic Artisan. He is also honored as a Master of Arts and Crafts in Nanping City and a Ceramic Art Master of Fujian Province.
Zhan Yanfu is a Senior Inheritor of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (Ceramics) and serves as Vice President of the China Ceramic Art Master Association and the Fujian Provincial Ceramic Industry Association. He is also the Executive Vice President of the Nanping City Arts and Crafts Association.
In academia, he contributes as a part-time professor at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University and Anxi Tea College, mentoring the next generation of ceramic artists.
Since 1989, Zhan Yanfu has devoted himself to collecting and studying Jian Zhan. In 2009, he began pioneering work in the firing techniques of Jian Zhan ceramics, founding Heizi Jian Zhan Cultural Communication Co., Ltd. and the “Tieci Moyun” Jian Zhan brand in Jianyang District, Nanping City. He also constructed a traditional Tongtian dragon kiln, known as the “Number One Kiln of the Song Dynasty,” at the historical Yun Gu Cao Tang, once the late-life residence of Song Dynasty philosopher Zhu Xi.
He studied under two renowned masters—Zhang Xiupan, expert in atmospheric firing, and Huang Meijin, founder of the Golden Oil Spot technique. With deep understanding and skill, Zhan Yanfu has made significant breakthroughs in Jian Zhan craftsmanship, producing acclaimed works such as Golden Hare’s Fur, Silver Hare’s Fur, Rainbow Striations, Flower Moon Night, Deep Sea Starry Sky, and Emerald Feather.
Since 2014, his creations have won widespread acclaim, earning nine Gold Awards and three Silver Awards, including the prestigious Hundred Flowers Award and Feitian Golden Horse Award.
Take a tour of zhan yanfu’s collection with Wang.
