Master of Ceramic Teapot, a biography published by Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing, was awarded the prize of 2015 Best Book in China at a ceremony held by China Central Television (CCTV) on April 23.

The biography of famous zisha teapot craftsman Gu Jingzhou (1915-1996), along with 27 other titles, won the prize awarded by the China Book Critics Society and CCTV, which took place on World Reading Day. The book was one of the seven winners in the literature and art category, and the only winner from a Jiangsu publisher.

The book is the first biography of the contemporary master of zisha teapot, a traditional handicraft from Yixing, Jiangsu province. Written by Xu Feng who is from Gu's hometown of Yixing, the book sheds light on Gu's unusual life, explores the art of the zisha teapot, and reviews the important stages of teapot making in modern times through more than 200 pictures of Gu and his works from different periods in time.

According to the critique given by the organizing committee, the writer adopted a simple and fact-based writing style, unveiling the cultural and handicraft development in the Jiangnan area. The committee remarked upon the historic perspective taken on Gu's exquisite craftsmanship, character, attainments and life philosophy. "The book is not only a tribute to the master's 100th anniversary, but also an outstanding literature work that can move and enlighten people," said a member of the organizing committee.

Master of Ceramic Teapot, a biography published by Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing, was awarded the prize of 2015 Best Book in China at a ceremony held by China Central Television on April 23.