Huang Qiuyang: Crafting Beauty from Clay and Passion

I first met Huang Qiuyang in the summer of 2016, when she ran a modest studio near the Yueji Kiln. There, she poured her heart into creating ceramics, sending her pieces to the kiln each month for firing. Over the years, her work has evolved remarkably, reflecting both her growth as an artist and her deepening connection to her craft.

Back then, her creations were charmingly unpolished—vessels that carried a rustic, almost clumsy beauty. What struck me most, however, was her resilience. As a mother of two, Huang balanced the demands of raising her children with long hours in the studio, where she spent 7 to 8 hours a day crafting or meeting clients. Ceramic work is no easy feat: hauling clay, kneading it, throwing pots, drying, and trimming all require physical strength. In Dehua, such labor is often left to men, but Huang took it all on herself, driven by her passion for her art.

Her early wood-fired pieces often featured playful monk-child figures, each with joyful or contemplative expressions. The unpredictable alchemy of fire and ash gave these works a dreamy, almost otherworldly quality, inviting viewers to pause and reflect.

Years later, Huang’s creations have taken on a freer, more confident spirit. Perhaps it’s because her children have grown, lightening her responsibilities. Or maybe it’s the spacious 500-square-meter studio she now works in, which offers her room to experiment and dream bigger. There’s also a touch of feminine whimsy in her work—she loves adorning the lids of teapots or bowls with hand-pinched flowers or tiny animals, often accented with pops of color. These delicate touches soften the rugged aesthetic of wood-fired ceramics, infusing her pieces with a fresh, natural elegance.

Today, Huang’s work transcends the heavy rusticity of her early wood-fired pieces. There’s a newfound dexterity in her creations—a balance of endearing clumsiness and refined artistry. Her ceramics not only carry the warmth of handmade craft but also embody her unique perspective on life and beauty.