Training of an Yixing potter

There are multiple levels of achievement for an individual training to be a Yixing potter.  In the early days there was a tradition of "one master, one apprentice".  In the Ming Dynasty, Shi Dabing was the most well known craftsman.  Some of the disciples that learned from him were Li Zhonfan, Xu Youquan, Ou Zhenchun, Chao Wenjing, chao Wenying, Chen Junqing, Shen Junyong.  In the Qing Dynasty, Huang Yuling who was taught by Chao Xingpu was probably the most famous artist.  Cheng Shouzeng is also well known and was Chao Youtings disciple. 

Beginning in 1931 the "Public Vocational School of Yixing, Jiangsu was established.  A "Kiln branch" was set up which eventually separated from the school and became the "Junior Pottery Vocational School of Yixing, Jiangsu".  After this school was founded, the traditional "one master, one apprentice" was changed.  A master craftsman may have many disciples, while a disciple may learn from multiple masters.

As a potter learns his craft, his/her skill increases.  Each potter marks his pot with his seal.  This seal authenticates the work.  The characters of the seal are cut in stone with steel and the resulting imprint is said to "smell" of stone and metal.  Each artist has their own style.  Some like a small spout, some a large handle.  Some prefer to reflect nature in their work while others produce more geometric and contemporary shapes.

The levels of skill are as follows.

Technical Personnel (or Craftsman), Assistant Craft master, Craft Master, Senior Craft master and State Grade Craft Master. 

As a potter moves through these levels his/her pots will demand an ever increasing price.   An Yixing pot made by someone who has reached the State Grade Craft Master can fetch prices of up to $10,000 or more.  However, keep in mind that a very skilled artisan does not always produce a "perfect" pot for you. If you are a collector keeping an eye to appreciation, then a pot from an artisan who has been named in books or collected in museums will likely be a good investment.  However, if you are looking for a good cup of tea, or simply a beautiful handmade pot to put on your shelf or desk than you should choose the pot by the way it looks and feels to you, not by the price.

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