Growing up as the daughter of a zisha clay miner in China’s Yixing region, Ji Fang didn’t just inherit her family’s craft—she transformed it. 🌱 Today, her teapots aren’t just vessels for brewing tea; they’re stories molded by hands, blending centuries-old techniques with bold, modern creativity.
From Clay to Culture
Ji’s designs breathe new life into tradition. By merging intricate openwork patterns and mortise-and-tenon joints—a method once used in ancient woodworking—she crafts teapots that resemble blooming flowers or geometric art. 🎨 \"Each piece has its own soul,\" she says. \"The clay remembers the touch of its maker.\"
Why It Matters
Zisha clay, found only in the Chinese mainland, has been prized for over 1,000 years for its porous texture that enhances tea flavors. But Ji’s work isn’t just about utility—it’s a rebellion against uniformity. 💥 Her teapots, with whimsical handles and asymmetrical spouts, now grace museums from Shanghai to Paris, proving that tradition can thrive when it evolves.
\"Art isn’t about repeating the past,\" Ji told NewspaperAmigo.com. \"It’s about giving the world something it didn’t know it needed.\"
