The History of Yixing Ceramics

Yixing is a small town in Jiangsu Province known as the ceramic capital of China. Local pottery pieces are generally thin-walled made from colored clays, which hold water even if left unglazed.

The beginning of ceramic production in this area rich in clay has started in ancient times, but hardly anything had remained until now. According to the legend, everything had started around 400 BC, when an important official of the Yue kingdom from the Spring and Autumn period named Fan Li (known as Tao Zhu Gong) founded potteries in the area. Fan Li was an ancient Chinese military strategist, politician, and businessman.

During the Song Dynasty Yixing ware was exported beyond the borders of Yixing, and during the Ming Dynasty has gained popularity.