Source: CCTV.com

11-26-2007 10:30

When people talk about Yixing, probably the first thing that pops into mind are the exquisite, purplish-brown pottery teapots called Zisha teapots. However, the special material used in the teapots is also perfect for sculpture. And Xu Xiutang is an artist who has spent decades creating art pieces carved from Zisha. On today's China Cool we'll take a closer look.

Is it clay? Is it sandy mud?

Actually, it is a special kind of rock. It is mined from underground mineral deposits near Yixing city. In the modern era the rock is immersed in water and ground down by a machine. Then it's filtered. The paste is then used for making teapots.

But, Xu Xiutang creates sculptures. Xu was born in 1937 in a traditional family of pottery makers. He began to learn the skill formally at the age of 17. His creations feature both traditional and modern flavor.