From bowl makers to artists

The brothers insist on completing every stage of the ceramic-making process themselves, a practice inherited from their early years in the family handicraft trade. Over time, they have continued pushing the boundaries of ceramics in both scale and structure. By re-creating the mottled textures of bronze and rusted iron, they bring a modern sensibility to the medium.

Lyu Pinchang, an artist and professor who once mentored the brothers at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, says the duo evolved from relying on carefully controlled techniques to embracing uncertainty, through which they gained a deeper understanding of ceramics. According to Lyu, the brothers have remained devoted to their craft — whether making bowls in the past or creating art today — and that spirit of dedication offers an inspiring example for younger generations of students.

Rising from humble beginnings as bowl makers, the Chao brothers have brought a renewed spirit of craftsmanship into contemporary ceramic art. Their works are now on display at the art museum of Jingdezhen Ceramic University in Jiangxi province.