Born in Boshan, Zibo, Shandong Province in 1965, Zhang Xinzhong is a Chinese Master of Arts and Crafts, Chinese Master of Ceramic Creation Art, and Chinese Master of Porcelain Carving Art. He holds professional titles including Senior Arts and Crafts Engineer and Senior Technician.
He is also recognized as a Shandong Provincial Master of Ceramic Art, Shandong Provincial Master of Arts and Crafts, Young and Middle-Aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions in Shandong Province, and Special-Grade Master of Ceramic Art of Shandong Province.
He serves as a researcher at the Porcelain Carving Research Committee of the Chinese Ceramic Society, a director of the Shandong Arts and Crafts Association and Shandong Ceramic Association, vice chairman of the Boshan Arts and Crafts Association of Shandong, vice chairman and secretary-general of the Boshan Porcelain Carving Artists Association of Shandong, and curator of Zibo Zhang Xinzhong Ceramics and Glass Art Museum. (Source: Baidu Encyclopedia)
Art Career and Mentorship
In 1984, he was admitted to the Research Institute of Shandong Boshan Ceramic Factory, where he studied under Feng Naizhuang (a renowned national master of arts and crafts specializing in ceramic painting) and Feng Naijiang (specializing in porcelain carving art). (Source: Baidu Encyclopedia)
In nearly 40 years of ceramic art creation, he integrates traditional shapes with modern aesthetics, covering a wide range of themes: natural landscapes, flowers, birds, insects and fish, as well as historical humanities and works reflecting the spirit of the times, such as The Gutian Conference, Porcelain Carving Vase: Meditating on the Past at the Red Cliff, and The Belt and Road Initiative. (Source: Baidu Encyclopedia)
Innovation and Techniques
Zhang Xinzhong pioneered new techniques in China, including spray-color porcelain carving and sagger clay bas-relief porcelain carving. By combining kiln-glazed effects with traditional porcelain carving methods, his works feature richer layers and stronger artistic expression.
He excels especially in portrait porcelain carving. He has created portrait state gifts for the President of Venezuela, the President of Cuba, the President of Nepal, the President of Russia, Master Hsing Yun, and other dignitaries. His works have been collected by the Secretary-General of UNESCO, the Palace Museum in Beijing, the Mayor of Zibo City, and others.
Honors and Achievements
- 2004: Awarded the title of “Shandong Provincial Master of Ceramic Art”
- 2007: Awarded “Shandong Provincial Master of Arts and Crafts” and “Young and Middle-Aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions in Shandong Province”
- 2014: Awarded “Outstanding Master of Ceramic Art of Shandong Province”
- 2016: Awarded “Special-Grade Master of Ceramic Art of Shandong Province” and “Chinese Master of Porcelain Carving Art”
- 2017: Awarded “Outstanding Chinese Ceramic Creation Artist”
- 2022: Recognized as “Inheritor of Intangible Cultural Heritage (Porcelain Carving) Skills”
- 2023: Awarded “Chinese Master of Arts and Crafts” by China National Light Industry Council (Source: Baidu Encyclopedia)
International Influence
In 2023, he created a custom 16-inch portrait porcelain carving plate for the Italy Vanquan Sino-Italian Cultural Exchange Association, which was presented to Pope Francis of the Vatican. The vivid work was highly praised by the Pope and became a celebrated story in Sino-Italian cultural exchanges.
Representative Works
The Gutian Conference, Porcelain Carving Vase: Meditating on the Past at the Red Cliff, The Belt and Road Initiative, Fragrance Overflowing, Gold and Jade Fill the Hall, Confucius, Charm of Spring, A Grand View of Mount Tai, etc.
His work Fragrance Overflowing was collected by the National Museum of China, becoming the first porcelain carving plate in its collection.
Zhang Xinzhong not only strives for perfection in craftsmanship but also promotes traditional Chinese handicrafts to the world through porcelain carving. He is a representative inheritor and innovator of Zibo porcelain carving art.