About the Artist: Hu Xiaojun
Hu Xiaojun, known by his courtesy name Jian Cun and pseudonym Yifuzi, is a revered master of traditional Chinese swordsmithing and the founder of Celestial Ironcelain. He holds the title of Senior Master of Arts and Crafts and is the visionary behind the Jian Cun Sword and Blade Research Institute. His journey into the world of craftsmanship began with a deep immersion in ancient Chinese sword culture from an early age, traveling to historical sites and learning from masters in the field. His dedication to the craft led him to revive long-lost techniques, such as the centuries-old method of forging swirled and welded pattern steel and refining rare materials like Bin Iron and Grass Steel.
Hu is not only recognized for his mastery in sword-making but also as a pioneer in modern ceramic craftsmanship. He combined meteoritic Heavenly Iron (Tiantie) with Longquan celadon techniques to create Celestial Ironcelain, a groundbreaking new category of porcelain that perfectly merges two UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage practices. This achievement has had a significant impact on the world of ceramics, introducing a fusion of ancient metallurgical and ceramic techniques.
In 2009, Hu founded the Jian Cun Sword and Blade Research Institute, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional sword culture, while producing unique, handmade masterpieces. His work in reviving forgotten techniques has garnered numerous national awards, including the China Arts and Crafts Gold Award and the China Film Props Gold Award.
Hu Xiaojun’s commitment to innovation and historical preservation extends beyond the forge. He collaborates with prestigious academic institutions, such as Beijing University of Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, and South China Normal University, contributing to research in the restoration and recreation of ancient sword techniques. This dedication to scholarly exploration has earned him the reputation of being a “scholar swordsmith,” blending deep academic inquiry with practical craftsmanship.
His expertise has also attracted the attention of the international film industry. Hu was the personal swordsmith for renowned Hollywood director John Woo, further solidifying his status as a master in his craft. In addition to his collaborations with academia and the film industry, Hu serves as a mentor at the Beijing University of Science and Technology’s Longquan Practice Base and leads the Longquan Innovation R&D Base for the China International Meteorite Technology Culture Industry Alliance.
In 2019, Hu achieved another milestone by obtaining a Chinese patent for his ancient Tiantie forging technique. Later that year, he successfully restored ancient iron-smelting methods in collaboration with Beijing University of Science and Technology, culminating in the creation of Lingjie Kiln, a new category of porcelain that fuses Heavenly Iron with earthly clays. This innovative work resulted in the creation of Celestial Ironcelain, combining two UNESCO heritage techniques and revolutionizing the world of porcelain.
Hu Xiaojun continues to push the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship, blending ancient wisdom with modern innovation. His work not only preserves China’s cultural heritage but also brings it to life for a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts around the world.