许息根 Xu Xi Gen

National Certified Assistant Art & Craft Master. Born in Yixing, Jiangsu Province, the heart and capital of China’s magical zisha, 许息根 Xu Xi Gen first entered the F1 factory in 1990 under the great tutelage of grandmasters 顾景舟 Gu Jing Zhou, 李昌鸿 Li Chang Hong, and 葛陶中 Ge Tao Zhong, along with some of the most famous teachers of the time. Coupled with his innate understanding of zisha and the meticulous guidance of the best names in the industry, Xu Xi Gen naturally cultivated an uncannily profound talent and skill in the art of zisha. In addition to the invaluable lessons he learned from the famous master sof F1, Xu Xi Gen sought to continue his academic endeavors further by receiving formal education at the Fine Arts Department of Nanjing University and the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts Design Class. This further spearheaded his artistic evolution, which eventually lead him to fame and multiple opportunities to win awards at several national exhibitions. There was clearly no end in sight for Xu Xi Gen’s artistic cultivation and expansion!

Finally, in 1995 Xu Xi Gen founded his studio, Shi De Zhai Art Studio,after establishing his well-earned reputation in the industry as nationally-certified assistant master of arts and crafts and inheritor of the great F1 grandmasters lineage. Outside of his studio, many of his works have been featured in museums, venues, and platforms - this to include books such as, 紫砂艺术典藏 The Zisha Art Collection, 世界艺术家 The World Artist, and several more scholastic, fine art books and periodicals. His works have been constantly praised and avowed by the leading experts in the industry, as well as they are loved and cherished by his fans and collectors from all over the world!

Xu Xi Gen is a versatile artist, proficient in the art of Hua Qi, Guang Qi, Jin Nang Qi, and Fang Qi. His all-encompassing knowledge of the zisha crafts originated from his extensive study in the complex technologies and techniques applied in the making of various types/styles of teapots during his 30 years in the zisha industry. Always on a forward momentum, Xu Xi Gen is perpetually driven by progress and a constant pursuit for innovation and self-improvement, wholly evident in every piece he creates.”