Yu Yuanfeng

Chinese Ceramic Artist 

Born in 1981 in Hangzhou, China, Yuanfeng grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the countryside, where his fondest memories include caring for a variety of animals and playing in the mud during the rain. This deep-rooted connection to nature has left a lasting imprint on his life and artistic vision. After earning a master’s degree in ceramics from the China Academy of Art, he devoted the next 11 years to teaching, nurturing emerging talent while perfecting his own craft. In his late 30s, yearning for a deeper reconnection with the nature, Yuanfeng relocated to a rural area to fully explore himself in his personal ceramic practice.

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Yuanfeng’s work goes beyond mere functionality. His creations—cups, fair cups, teapots, and more—carry a playful, almost primitive spirit. Each piece transforms into a character of its own, with handles that resemble ears or hands, spouts that mimic noses, and eyes subtly hidden within the design. These whimsical features reveal themselves through interaction: when you “shake hands” with the handle of a cup or twist the teapot’s “hat” lid, which is ingeniously designed to stay secure while pouring. His ceramics invite a tactile, almost childlike exploration, blending practicality with a unique sense of wonder and discovery.