Collection: 曹亚麟 Cao Ya-lin
曹亚麟，字希之，1955年生于宜兴丁山陶艺世家
中国工艺美术大师，研究员级高级工艺美术师，哈尔滨师范大学美术学院客座教授。江苏省工艺美术学会理事，江苏省陶瓷艺术委员会副主任，中国紫砂艺术研究会委员。
多年来创作了许多紫砂陶艺作品，撰写了多篇学术论文，其中有许多作品和论文在海内外多家杂志和刊物上发表;
作品两次入选日本美浓国际陶艺展，获得国际陶艺展一等奖；多次在中国最权威的展评会“全国陶瓷艺术创新评比”中获奖；多次在重要国家级艺术作品展中获得金银奖。
多次应邀出国办展，并出版个人专集，多件作品被中国美术馆、国务院中南海紫光阁、香港茶具文物馆等文化机构收藏。
曹亚麟大师特别重视理论和实践相结合，从较高的层面对紫砂艺术进行广泛和深入的研究、探索和创作，形成了独特的艺术理念，他凭借着扎实的专业知识基础，在广泛探究古今中外各种艺术的同时，深入研究紫砂陶艺术并不断探索实践，形成了独特的艺术理念：
把握传统，开创现代，融铸文化，追求独创。
其作品艺术语言丰富，艺术创意新颖，艺术形式优美，文化内涵深厚，艺术格调高雅，在紫砂陶艺坛独树一帜，对当代紫砂艺术的创作产生了积极的影响。
Master Cao Ya-Lin – The Modernist Scholar of Zisha Design
Cao Ya-Lin, art name Xi Zhi (希之), is a leading figure in contemporary Zisha design and a master who bridges traditional craft with modern aesthetics. Born in 1955 in Yixing, Jiangsu, into a family deeply rooted in pottery, Cao is celebrated for his refined artistic vision, theoretical depth, and distinctive modern elegance.
He holds the title of National Master of Arts and Crafts (2012, 6th batch), Jiangsu Ceramic Art Master, and Senior Research-Level Master (Level 1). A protégé of the late Grandmaster Bao Zhi-Qiang, Cao Ya-Lin graduated from the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, Department of Art & Design in 1980 — a rare combination of fine art education and technical mastery that has shaped his innovative approach to Zisha art.
Since joining the Yixing Zisha Factory in 1981, and later serving at the China Zisha Museum, Cao has devoted over four decades to the creation, research, and teaching of Zisha art. His works are acclaimed for blending form and philosophy, drawing from both Eastern simplicity and Western design principles.
Master Cao’s artistry is grounded in the belief that “design is the language of culture.” His teapots are known for graceful silhouettes, rich cultural symbolism, and modern balance — pieces that speak to both the collector’s intellect and aesthetic sense.
Awards & Recognition
* Two-time Gold Award Winner, National Ceramic Art Innovation Exhibition
* First Prize, International Ceramic Art Exhibition, Japan’s Mino Biennale
* Exhibited in major national art expos and museum showcases
* Works collected by China National Art Museum, Palace Museum, Ziguang Pavilion (Zhongnanhai), and Hong Kong Tea Ware Museum
Artistic Philosophy
Master Cao approaches Zisha creation as a dialogue between tradition and innovation. He fuses the precision of industrial design with the spirit of literati aesthetics — pursuing originality while honoring heritage. His pieces often feature clean geometry and poetic restraint, carrying what critics describe as “a serene modern rhythm within a timeless vessel.”
Through his work and writings, Cao Ya-Lin has influenced an entire generation of younger artisans, shaping the future of Zisha with theory, practice, and artistic courage.