Wang Geyi

王个夭
1897–1988 Modern Dynasty The quiet keeper of a century

Biography

Wang Geyi lived through one of the most turbulent centuries in Chinese history, spanning from the twilight of the Qing Dynasty all the way to the reform era — and through it all, he kept his hands in clay. A master of the Yixing tradition, he carried the ancient art of zisha pottery across nearly a century of change, helping to keep its techniques alive during times when tradition itself felt fragile. To live 91 years and dedicate them to craft is a story worth telling, even when the history books stay quiet.

Key Contribution

Wang Geyi served as a living bridge between the classical Yixing tradition and the modern era, preserving zisha craftsmanship through decades of profound cultural upheaval in China.

Referenced in the Book

p. 143