The Official Ranks and Titles of Yixing Zisha Artists

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Introduction

There could be quite a lot of confusion about the seniority and ranks of Yixing Zisha potters, because in China usually everyone who does physical work is called a “Master”, for example all taxi drivers are called Master (师傅). 😀 However I haven’t seen a short and easy explanation of the various titles and ranking of Yixing artists in English, so I did some research regarding the topic and made this short overview. Hope you Enjoy!

If you want to know more about the main Zisha ores, click: [HERE]

(I recommend using Google Chrome when visiting the linked Chinese sites. Chrome will translate the websites automatically for you)

Associations

There are currently five Associations in China, who can award a title to Yixing Zisha artists:

  1. China Arts and Crafts Association (中国工艺美术协会)
    • National Level
    • Honorary Award given to Any Artist in China, for Historical Achievements
  2. China National Light Industry Association (中国轻工业联合会) and China Ceramic Industry Association (中国陶瓷工业协会)
    • National Level
    • Honorary Award given to Any Ceramic Artist in China for Exceptional works
  3. Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Industry Association (江苏省工艺美术行业协会)
    • Provincial Level
    • Honorary Award given to Any Artist in Jiangsu province for exceptional works
  4. Wuxi Human Resources and Social Security Bureau (无锡市人力资源和社会保障局)
    • A 5 level Ranking system for Yixing potters based on their skills

Ranks and Honorary Titles of Yixing Zisha Artist

Here are the 3 Honorary Titles and Ranks awarded by the associations, in order of significance:

  • China Arts and Crafts Association (中国工艺美术协会)
    • Chinese Arts and Crafts Grand Master — 中国工艺美术大师
      • Prices start from: $100 000+
      • [LIST]
  • China National Light Industry Association (中国轻工业联合会) and China Ceramic Industry Association (中国陶瓷工业协会)
    • Chinese Ceramic Art Grand Master — 中国陶瓷艺术大师
      • Prices start from: $50 000+
      • [LIST]
  • Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Industry Association (江苏省工艺美术行业协会)
    • Jiangsu Province Arts and Crafts Grand Master — 江苏省工艺美术大师
      • Prices start from: $15 000+
    • Jiangsu Province Arts and Crafts Celebrity — 江苏省工艺美术名人
      • Prices start from: $5 000+
  • Wuxi Human Resources and Social Security Bureau (无锡市人力资源和社会保障局)
    1. Arts and Craft Member — 工艺美术员
    2. Assistant Arts and Craft Master — 助理工艺美术师
    3. Arts and Craft Master — 工艺美术师
    4. Senior Arts and Craft Master — 高级工艺美术师
    5. Research Level Senior Arts and Craft Master — 研究员级高级工艺美术师

You can search for any Yixing Artist’s Rank [HERE]
Just type in their Name with Chinese Characters.

If you want to know what are the requirements for the above mentioned 5 ranks go [HERE]

The highest attainable rank for a potter is Research Level Senior Arts and Craft Master with the Honorary Title of Chinese Arts and Crafts Grand Master. His Rank is based on his skills in Zisha Pottery Art, while the Honorary Award shows his significance and achievements in the Arts and Culture in Chinese History.