The Changes in Wang Xi San’s Studio Name Part 4 (Last) – One Bottle Eight Virtues Studio (1988 – Current) 从王习三的堂名变迁看历史——一壶八德斋（1988年至今）

Fakes

Wang Xi San was elected into the Seventh CPPCC National Committee member in 1988. With his new appointment, Wang began to pay attention to some social issues. He had noticed that some undesirable phenomena is appearing in the society. Fakes, widespread cheating and infringement of intellectual properties are affecting the social norms and orders.

Impetus of a Legal battle

Wang Xi San has spent many years of commitment and continuous improvement to nourish his studio name. To him, the “One Bottle Studio” was his reputation and he cherished it dearly. Wang is a responsible teacher that hope to help his students succeed as early as possible. To ensure quality work, his apprentices needed to passed a set of rigorous tests before they can use his studio name.

In April 1984, to prevent counterfeiting problems. Wang decided to register his studio name as a trade mark. During that time, he knew nothing about the trademark laws and regulations. In that application, Wang registered the studio name under the state-owned factory instead of his personal name. This mistake left an impetus for a legal battle for his studio name later in the years.

One Bottle Eight Virtues Studio (一壶八德斋)

To research into more techniques of painting, Wang started the Heng Shui Wang Xi San Art Institute in 1988. Before long, the works coming out of Wang’s art institute received many positive response from foreign collectors. However, with the increased demand of his bottle, a dishonest market began to emerge. Many low-grade paintings signed off as “One Bottle Studio” began to appear in the market. Desperate to protect his studio name, Wang hoped that the management of the state-owned factory would transfer the ownership of his studio name to him. The management of the factory refused to give in and insisted that the studio name belongs to them.

With no option left, Wang had to change his studio name again. He adopted a modified version of this original studio name “One Bottle with Eight Virtues Studio” (一壶八德斋).  The eight virtues that Wang added are the eight principles of life that he felt essential: filial piety, loyalty, faith, courtesy, righteousness, honesty and integrity. These are the same moral values that Wang emphasizes to his children and students.

Rejuvenating Chinese Art and Culture

The Chinese society has gradually improved in laws and regulations over the years. Art and culture became one of the main focus of development. This attention improved the protection of intellectual property by the authorities. All these positive changes has given artist and artisans a stable and peaceful social environment to practice their trade.

Another piece of great news came in October 18, 2011. During the 6th Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee meeting. The governing party passed an important initiative to support and rejuvenate Chinese art and culture. This initiative was to fund artists that are engaged in traditional arts like Wang Xi San.

Golden Age of Inside Painted Snuff Bottle

With all the years of hard work and innovation, Wang has built a solid foundation for the future. He has made inside painted snuff bottle into an art that is internationally acclaimed. From his stories, one can learn about the development of inside painted snuff bottle in conjunction with the changes in the social. Wang is confident that the golden age of inside painted snuff bottles has just started.

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