Email: liurunfu@tsinghua.edu.cn
Title
Tenured Associate Professor
Academic Title
Head of the Traditional Craft Research Institute of New Crafts, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University
Researcher at the Key Laboratory of Traditional Craft Techniques and Materials Research, Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Tsinghua University)
Academic Services
Deputy Secretary-General of the Education Work Committee, China National Arts & Crafts Society
Managing Director of the Beijing Intangible Cultural Heritage Society
Academic Committee Member, China Intangible Cultural Heritage Art and Design Institute
Ceramic curator of the New Crafts International Emerging Artists Group Exhibition
Founder of “Xin Chan Zong” Wood-firing Art
Secretary General of International Society for Ceramic Art Education and Exchange (ISCAEE) China
Member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC), UNESCO
Education Background
2012.05: Postdoctoral research in Design, Department of Ceramic Art and Design, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University
2009.03: PhD in Cultural Properties, Major in Ceramic Art (Cultural Properties), Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
2004.03: Master’s degree in Education, Major in Art Education, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
1998.07: Bachelor’s degree in Literature, Major in Japanese Language and Literature, Dalian University of Foreign Languages
Work Experience
2017.08-Present: Associate Professor/Tenured Associate Professor, Department of Ceramic Art and Design, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University
2009.12-: Assistant Research Fellow/Assistant Professor, Department of Ceramic Art and Design, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University
Research Interests
1. Research on the preservation of traditional ceramic art and contemporary expression
2. Research on the preservation and innovation of traditional crafts [cultural properties]
Academic Claims
Research on traditional crafts should first focus on the preservation of “traditional techniques,” followed by exploring “contemporary expressions” through “traditional innovation” to revitalize these crafts. This innovative practice should be grounded in global cultural diversity while emphasizing the unique “national aesthetics” of China in its artistic expression. The interconnected concepts of “tradition,” “innovation,” and “nationality” form the foundational pillars of research on traditional crafts [cultural properties].
1. Tradition and Innovation: Classic traditions inherently embody innovation, which allows them to stand out and thrive at the forefront of the era. The essence of cultural continuity lies not in preserving ancient forms, but in passing on a dynamic tradition that evolves and stays relevant within the cultural fabric.
2. Innovation and Nationality: The diversity of world cultures offers valuable references for the innovation and development of Chinese traditional crafts. Promoting indigenous art forms is an effective way to explore contemporary expressions of innovation.
Nationality and Tradition: Traditional culture is not confined to the tangible forms recorded in history. It represents the spiritual lifeblood of a nation’s culture, embodying the enduring and radiant genetic code that continues to thrive through the ages.
In summary:
Traditional crafts [cultural properties] are not a “heritage” of the past but an ongoing “asset” in the present. The regeneration of tradition through the absorption of the past is the essence of living cultural traditions. The inheritance and innovation rooted in Chinese aesthetics represent China’s most significant contribution to the diversity of global art. Embracing external influences to enrich the nation is the crucial path for the expansion and promotion of China’s aesthetic vision.
“Chang Jing” (context) is a crucial perspective for evaluating Chinese arts and crafts. “Chang” refers to horizontal energy, a force that encompasses external emotional tensions and the ability to absorb and embrace diverse cultures. “Jing” represents the vertical dimension, an internal spiritual elegance, a refinement of values that elevates and transforms towards a future-oriented renaissance.
Academic Achievements
Publications:
Potter, Liu Runfu, Posts & Telecom Press, 2019
China White Porcelain, Liu Runfu, Posts & Telecom Press, 2017
New Crafts · Vitality, Liu Runfu & Tang Tingqiang, Posts & Telecom Press, 2017
New Crafts · Fire, Liu Runfu & Tang Tingqiang, Posts & Telecom Press, 2016
New Crafts · Flaming, Liu Runfu & Tang Qiang, Posts & Telecom Press, 2015
Papers:
“Traditional Crafts Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage from the Comparison between China and Japan,” ZHUANGSHI, 2016.12, Issue 12
“The Clay of Life,” Liu Runfu, Sleight of Hand, China Academy of Art Press, 2016.11
“Past, Present, Future and Sollen of Japanese Design,” Kiyoshi Miyazaki, Liu Runfu, ZHUANGSHI, special feature, 2015.12
工芸審美観点から中国白磁の起源に関する考察 (Japanese), ISCAEE 2011 Proceedings, 2011.09
出光美術館蔵香炉の復元制作研究 (Japanese), Idemitsu Museum of Arts, 2010.08, Issue 152
龍泉窯青磁の伝統技法と現代技法の比較研究 (Japanese), doctoral dissertation, 2010.08, Tokyo University of the Arts
龍泉窯の現状と考察 (Japanese), 13～14世紀の龍泉窯陶磁技法“青磁大皿”の復元的焼成研究－日本文部省科学研究【基盤研究B】, 2007.03
崇寧通寶に関する考察 (Japanese), master’s thesis, 2004.03, Tokyo University of the Arts
Vertical Projects:
2018.03-2020.08: International Emerging Artists Group Exhibition & Symposium, China National Arts Fund Management Center, project head
2018.09-2019.06: Wood Firing and Environmental Protection: Summit on Traditional Chinese Ceramics, Beijing Culture and Arts Fund Management Center, project head
2017.10-2018.08: High-end Talent Cultivation of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Enamel - New Crafts Master-Apprentice Special Talent Program, Beijing Culture and Arts Fund Management Center, project head
2017.06-2017.12: 2017 New Crafts - Preservation and Innovation of Traditional Crafts, an independent research project of Tsinghua University, project head
2016.01-2016.12: Overseas Training and Exchange Program for Inheritors of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage, Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, project head
2013.01-2015.12: Research on the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance of Traditional Wood-fired Kiln Firing Techniques, an independent research project of Tsinghua University, project head
2010.07-2012.02: Research on Ceramic Materials, supported by the 47th batch of general funding from the China Post-doctoral Science Foundation, project head
Exhibitions and Lectures:
2022.02: Coming Wind · Summer · Vast, Artwork Collection, Chinese Traditional Culture Museum
2021.12: New Era: The Third Good Handcrafts of China, Participant, Chinese Traditional Culture Museum
2020.12: The First Dehua “China White” Chinese Traditional Ceramic Art Biennial, Participant, Dehua Art Museum
2019.12: The 13th National Exhibition of Fine Arts, Participant, China Artists Association, Jingdezhen Ceramics Museum
2019.12: New Crafts - Refine: The 5th International Emerging Artists Group Exhibition, Curator & Participant, Tsinghua University
2019.11: The 5th Art and Science International Exhibition, Participant, National Museum of China
2018.12: New Crafts - Brilliant: The 4th International Emerging Artists Group Exhibition, Curator & Participant, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
2018.03: Invited to deliver an academic speech at the “Crafting Futures: China-UK Craft Forum,” British Council / Cultural and Education Section, British Embassy
2017.12: Invited as a Lecturer at UNESCO’s “Advanced Training Program for Intangible Cultural Heritage Curators” (Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China/ Prince Kung’s Palace Museum/Central Academy of Cultural Administration)
2017.11: New Crafts - Vitality: The Third International Emerging Artists Group Exhibition, Curator & Host, Shanghai
2017.07: ISCAEE Exhibition, Curator & Participant, UCA Farnham
2016.07: New Crafts - Fire: The Second International Emerging Artists Group Exhibition, Curator & Host, Tokyo University of the Arts
2015.11: New Crafts - Flaming: The First International Emerging Artists Group Exhibition, Curator & Host, Beijing, Shanghai
2015.08: White Porcelain Light-Color Seaweed Pattern Vase, Artwork Collection, Tama Art University, Japan
2013.10: ISCAEE Exhibition, Participant, Akdeniz University
2013.10: Asia-Pacific Handicraft Exhibition, Participant, Hangzhou Asia-Pacific Craft Fair
2013.02: Celadon Impression Ceramique, Paris Art City, France
2012.07: Tea Mirror · The First International Tea Culture Exchange Exhibition, Participant, Tokyo University of the Arts (participating in every subsequent edition)
2010.10: The 7th China Contemporary Young Ceramic Art Biennale, Participant, Hangzhou Art Museum (participating in every subsequent edition)
2007.10: The 120th Anniversary Exhibition of Tokyo University of the Arts, Participant, Art Museum of the Tokyo University of the Arts
2005.01: 2005 · Line - Liu Runfu Ceramic Artwork Exhibition, Art Museum of the Tokyo University of the Arts
2000.07: 2000 World Chinese Arts Exhibition, Participant, Art Talent Center of the Ministry of Culture of China, China Federation of Literary and Art Circles
Awards:
2022.02: Coming Wind · Summer · Vast, Artwork Collection, Chinese Traditional Culture Museum
2020.12: The First Dehua “China White” Chinese Traditional Ceramic Art Biennial, Dehua Art Museum, Bronze Award
2020.07: Outstanding Individual in Management and Service for the 2019-2020 Academic Year, Tsinghua University
2019.11: The artwork “Coming Wind · Summer · Vast” from the 5th Art and Science International Exhibition won the Wu Guanzhong Art and Science Award; held at the National Museum of China
2019.08: Practical Application of Cross-Disciplinary Teaching in Arts and Crafts in International Art Education - A Case Study of New Crafts, first prize of the Teaching Achievement Award, Tsinghua University
2017.10: International Exchange Promotion Award, Tokyo University of the Arts
2017.08: “Outstanding Class Teacher of Tsinghua University,” Tsinghua University
2016.12: “Outstanding Staff of Tsinghua University,” Office of International Affairs, Tsinghua University
2016.11: White Porcelain Light-Color Sea Mushroom Pattern Vase, Artwork Collection, Kanazawa College of Art, Japan
2015.08: White Porcelain Light-Color Seaweed Pattern Vase, Artwork Collection, Tama Art University, Japan
2013.10: The work “Jar with Four Loop Handles and Dragon Pattern” won the Gold Award for Creativity at the Asia-Pacific Handicraft Exhibition, Hangzhou Asia-Pacific Craft Fair
2000.07: The artwork “Seal Carving on Ceramic” won the Bronze Award for World Chinese Artists at the 2000 World Chinese Arts Exhibition, Art Talent Center of the Ministry of Culture of China, China Federation of Literary and Art Circles
Teaching
Undergraduate courses: Traditional Ceramic Art, Ceramic Art Creation, and Ceramic Arts; Graduate course: Research on Ceramic Firing; Lecture courses: Inheritance and Innovation of Traditional Crafts and Contemporary Issues in Intangible Cultural Heritage, among others.
He focuses on cultivating students’ critical thinking and aesthetic abilities, advocating for future-oriented innovative artistic thinking. He aims to enhance students’ empathy towards both life and their profession, while building an independent system of artistic creation and expression.
