LIU CHUAN(1916 – 2000)
Liu Chuan, a native of Shiwan, Guangdong Province, came from a poor family and began working in a local antique shop at 12. Fascinated by ceramics but unable to afford instruction, he secretly learned the techniques of pottery sculpture of human figures by eavesdropping on artists. Through perseverance, he mastered the craft from clay preparation to glazing. He also made elaborate studies and imitations of the works of famous ceramic artists such as Pan Yushu. When he was 20, his work earned acclaim at the World’s Fair in the United Kingdom.
During the Republic of China period, Liu Chuan’s figures, inspired by history, legend, and fairy tales, achieved widespread popularity. The government of China has designated his pre- 1949 works as important works of cultural heritage that cannot be exported.
Inspired by daily life, Liu carefully observed people passing in the street, capturing their inner being. His portrayals of historic figures reveal the inner world of the characters, which contributes to the depth of the works. He theorised that Shiwan ceramic ar t should ‘promote rather than suppress’ in handling the theme, which should be properly developed and cont r o l l ed. Conversely, he proposed that when it came to expression, it was ‘better to refrain than expose’, leaving room for audience’s interpretation. Liu Chuan also fostered a second generation of ‘Master of Chinese Arts and Crafts’, including Zhuang Jia, Liu Zemian, and Liao Hongbiao, making him one of the most influential artists of Shiwan ceramics.