In the spiritual world of tea enthusiasts, incense - burning has always been an extremely elegant affair. As stated in the Southern Song Dynasty literati's notes Menglianglu: "Burning incense, making tea, hanging paintings, and arranging flowers are four leisurely pastimes that should not burden the family." Savoring the tranquility and beauty of life amidst the curling incense smoke, the elegance and ease are indescribable. Today, Tongxin She Teahouse is delighted to present a high - end purple clay incense holder and tea pet that combines exquisite craftsmanship and unique charm - the handmade frog - shaped sculpture ornament by renowned artist Chen Zhen.
The design inspiration of this purple clay incense holder is derived from nature, ingeniously integrating the elements of frogs and stones into artistic creation. A frog with its eyes closed, sitting leisurely on a "stone", looks so relaxed and at ease, as if immersed in this peaceful and comfortable moment, enjoying its own little world. Every detail of the frog is vividly depicted, making people marvel at the creator's superb craftsmanship and meticulous observation of nature.
The creator of this incense holder, Chen Zhen, is a highly promising artist in the field of purple clay art. Chen Zhen, with the courtesy name Mingzhen, was born in 1986. He has been deeply interested in sculpture since childhood. In 2000, he officially embarked on the path of purple clay design and production. He studied under Jiang Yihua, a senior arts and crafts master and the daughter of Jiang Rong, the master of flower - shaped purple clay wares, and became an inheritor of the Jiang family's techniques. In his exploration of purple clay art, Chen Zhen continuously absorbed knowledge and improved his skills. In 2018, he formally became a disciple of Master Zhang Dahua, a master of Zen painting, and became the fourth - generation inheritor of the Qi (Baishi) school of art. These learning experiences have made Chen Zhen's artistic creation more diverse.
In 2017, Chen Zhen graduated from Nanjing Normal University with a bachelor's degree. During the creative process, he has always maintained a love and observation of life and nature, and is good at seeking creative inspiration from daily life. His works are known for their vivid and lifelike shapes, whether it is a small ant, a lively frog, or a plump pineapple. All can be given life in his hands. His artistic style is natural, realistic, simple, and through his works, people can seem to feel the breath of nature and return to the most authentic state.
In his artistic journey, Chen Zhen's works have also achieved remarkable results and received high praise. In August 2019, he participated in the teacher - student exhibition of Master Zhang Dahua at the Wendeng Museum in Weihai, and his work Sharing Good Fortune was collected by the Wendeng Museum in Weihai. In September of the same year, he participated in the teacher - student exhibition of Zhang Dahua's Zen paintings at the Art Expo of Weihai Art Museum. In 2019, his work Five Sons Ascending to the Imperial Court won the Gold Award of the "Purple Rhyme Cup" at the Shanghai Arts and Crafts Exhibition. In October 2019, he participated in the "Jiang Rong Cup" Purple Clay Flower - shaped Ware Competition of the 10th China Yixing International Ceramic Culture and Art Festival to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Jiangsu Province, and his work Toad and Lotus - pod Tea Set won the Bronze Award.
This handmade frog - shaped sculpture ornament by Chen Zhen is not only a practical incense holder and tea pet but also a collectible work of art. Placed in Tongxin She Teahouse, it adds a unique cultural and artistic atmosphere to the teahouse. When you bring it home, whether it is placed on the tea table to feel the tranquility and comfort while burning incense and sipping tea, or used as a decorative item to adorn the space, it can bring a different kind of elegance and sentiment to your life.
Amidst the interweaving of the aroma of tea and incense, let this purple clay incense holder and tea pet accompany you through wonderful moments and experience the unique charm of traditional purple clay art.