Cheng Zhaoxin was a celebrated master potter and decorator of Jingdezhen who was renowned from the Republic period through the early years of the People's Republic of China. During the Republic period, he worked not only as a porcelain painter, but also operated a decorating workshop (hongdian) at Chenjialing in Jingdezhen, where he assembled some of the finest ceramic decorators of the day to produce wares of exceptional quality.
As his workshop specialized in highly intricate gongbi painting and mocai miaojin (a sophisticated technique employing monochrome black decoration enriched with gold detailing), production was relatively limited from the outset.
Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the government initiated the collectivization of handicraft industries through the formation of cooperative organizations. In 1952, the Jingshi Ceramic Arts and Crafts Cooperative (November 1952 to September 1958) was established, and it is believed that Cheng Zhaoxin and his workshop joined the cooperative in either 1954 or 1955.
Bringing together many of the foremost ceramic masters of the period, the Jingshi Ceramic Arts and Crafts Cooperative was not intended for mass production. Rather, it focused on artistic achievement, producing high-grade porcelain and the finest presentation wares, including pieces destined for official state use and diplomatic gifts.
Cheng Zhaoxin was particularly renowned for his mastery of the traditional technique of mocai miaojin, in which exceptionally detailed designs are rendered in monochrome black and further embellished with delicate gold lines. He also excelled in yangliao huabian, the technique of decorating borders and framing motifs with brilliantly coloured imported enamels, and occupied a leading position in the transmission and development of these technical skills.
The present charger may be regarded as one of Cheng Zhaoxin's greatest masterpieces, executed during this period for presentation to the state.
In 1959, Cheng Zhaoxin was awarded the title of 'Ceramic Artist' in the inaugural conferral of that distinction by the Jingdezhen Municipal People's Government, in recognition of his outstanding artistic achievements.