On March 21st, 2024, “Chinese Intangible Heritage – Yixing Clay Teapot ‘Excellence of Teapot’ Fan Weiqun Purple Sand Clay Teapot Art and Fan Family Pottery Excellent Works Tour Exhibition in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area” was officially opened by Macau Jiangsu Province Overseas Friendship Association, Yixing Ceramics Industry Association and Wuxi Overseas Friendship Association, and hosted by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture(CCHC) of University of Macau (UM) and Yixing Fan Family Ceramic Art Co. With the core concept of “Intangible Cultural Heritage – Peace – Culture – Inclusion – Inheritance”, the exhibition showcases more than 150 pieces of original Clay Teapots by Master Fan Weiqun, a representative heir to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and his team of masters, which highlights the brilliance of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in the institution of higher education. The exhibition will be on display until March 27, 2024.

The exhibition was organized by Fan Weiqun, a representative heir of intangible cultural heritage and a master craftsman of Jiangsu Province, who led a group of masters from the Fan Family Workshop to Macao. The exhibition activities included a presentation of the production techniques of purple sand pottery, tea ware and tea art experience, purple sand, paintings and calligraphy exchange, an academic report of purple sand, a cultural lecture on purple sand and so on. Those activities are designed to kindle their interest in traditional Chinese culture and enhance their understanding of Chinese culture so as to make them learn and love intangible cultural heritage in a relaxing and interactive way.

At the opening ceremony, PANG Chap Chong, Dean of Students of UM, FAN Weiqun, distinguished master of pottery, Shi Juntang, President of Yixing Ceramics Industry Association, Ma Da, Honorary President of Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Association, Xie Qiang, representative of the masters, and ZHU Shutong, Director of CCHC of UM, delivered speeches. PANG said in his speech that this exhibition coincides with the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return, which is not only a promotion of the excellent traditional Chinese culture, but also a deepening of cultural exchange and cooperation between Jiangsu and Macao. FAN Weiqun said that he looked forward to in-depth collaboration with more cultural institutions, universities experts and scholars to jointly promote the internationalization of the purple sand art, so as to make this treasure of Chinese culture shine more brightly on the world cultural stage. ZHU Shoutong pointed out in his speech that in the current context of promoting the excellent traditions of Chinese culture, the significance of purple sand pottery is increasingly prominent in modern cultural development, showcasing exceptional research value.

At the opening ceremony, WONG Kei, Director of Rector’s Office and other representatives of UM, presented certificates of appreciation to FAN Weiqun and other participating artists. Fan Weiqun also led the guests to visit the exhibition and had in-depth exchanges on the production, the ceramic carving and decoration of purple sand teapots, and tea art performance. During the seminar after the opening ceremony, the guests and scholars discussed the development of the culture of purple sand teapots, which strengthened the understanding of the culture of purple sand among the teachers, students of UM and other visitors. Zhu Shoutong also presented Fan Weiqun with a certificate of “Supervisor of Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassador” of the CCHC to jointly promote the inheritance and development of purple sand art and culture at UM.

The guests who attended the opening ceremony also included CHUI Sai Cheong, member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Legislative Assembly of Macao; LU Bo, Deputy to the 13th National People’s Congress and President of the Macao Daily News; SAM Chin Peng, President of Macau Jiangsu Province Overseas Friendship Association; KUNG Po Mei, President of Macao Calligraphy Association; ZENG Zhihui, Permanent President of Associação da Arte do Chá de Macau; LOK Hei, President of the Macau Artist Society; and WANG Jian, Executive Vice-President and Secretary General of Jiangsu Provincial Association of protecting Intangible Cultural Heritage; SONG Jiangen, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Association; XU Jianrong, Vice President of Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Association and Director of Yixing Zisha Craft Factory; CHEN Hongbing, President of China Medical System Holdings Limited; GUO Tongchun, Chairman of Wuxi Shengqian Investment Company Limited; Gu Shaopei, Ji Yishun, and Xie Qiang, masters of Chinese arts and crafts and Fan Zefeng, master of ceramic arts of Jiangsu Province; HU Ke, member of the National Urban Sculpture Art Committee and Vice President of Yixing Pottery Association; LI Defeng , representative of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities(FAH); WONG Seng Fat, Interim College Master of Cheng Yu Tung College; LEUNG May Yee, College Master of Choi Kai Yau College; YANG Liu, master of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College; TAM Sik Chung, Interim College Master of Shiu Pong College; Lampo LEONG, director of the Center of Arts and Design; Billy LEUNG, Assistant University Librarian; CHEANG Neng Ian, deputy director of CCHC; SIO Chio Ieong, Director of Academic Research Division of CCHC; WEI Chuxiong, Emeritus Professor of FAH, etc.