About the Artist: Zou Jianbin (邹建斌)

Zou Jianbin was born in 1984 in Shuiji, Jianyang, Fujian Province, into a family with deep roots in traditional Jianzhan craftsmanship. From a young age, he was immersed in the art of ceramics and began formal apprenticeship in 1998 under his father, master potter Zou Liangwang, in Shuiji’s historic Qili kiln area.

Carrying forward the family legacy, Zou Jianbin established his own dragon kiln in Houshijing Village. The kiln’s seven-meter length reflects a commitment to traditional techniques, including wood firing and ore-based glazes. His work is known for its elegant control of classic Jian ware forms and glazes, including oil-spot, silver-rimmed black, and experimental styles like ice-blue and stardust patterns.

Drawing on heritage and innovation, Zou’s cups often carry poetic names such as “The Kiss of Lanjie”, “Brilliant Star Kiln”, and “Ice Jade Peony”, showing both reverence for tradition and a modern artistic voice. His works are collected widely for their visual impact and faithful continuation of Song dynasty aesthetics.

Materials

Iron-rich clay, natural ore glaze

Origin

Shuiji, Jianyang, Fujian Province

Signature

邹建斌