Fan Weiqun. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Fan Weiqun, a master of Yixing zisha (purple clay) pottery-making techniques, has been nominated as a candidate for the 2025 China Intangible Cultural Heritage Person of the Year.

Originating from a family steeped in zisha pottery tradition, Fan is the fourth-generation successor of the Dasheng Teapot lineage. He established the Fan Family Teapot Shop and founded the Xiwang Zisha Cooperative, through which he has trained over 1,500 zisha artisans. By capitalizing on the cooperative model to support rural vitalization, he offers free training and actively promotes the dissemination of zisha-making techniques throughout the country.

Dasheng Teapot. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Yixing zisha pottery is a treasure of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and a brilliant gem of Jiangnan culture. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it has been celebrated worldwide for its unique materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich cultural significance. Over the years, Fan's creations, distinguished by their superb craftsmanship, elegant designs and deep cultural resonance, have been collected by prestigious institutions such as the British Museum and the American Museum of Ceramic Art.

International Tea Day stamp featuring the zisha tea set. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

In addition, Fan has been instrumental in promoting zisha culture on a global scale, fostering cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world. In 2023, the United Nations Postal Administration issued International Tea Day stamps and first-day covers, featuring two zisha tea sets: one from the Fan Family Pottery Shop and another of Fan's own design.