Chinese purple clay artist receives special IOC Medal

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has presented Chinese master of purple clay art Lyu Junjie with the Pierre De Coubertin Medal for his outstanding contribution to the Olympics movement.

IOC president Thomas Bach made the presentation at the organization's headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“This is the first time I am here at the IOC headquarters. It is the IOC’s recognition of the Chinese purple clay art, and it is not an honor of my own, it is an honor to the Chinese culture,” said Lyu at the awarding ceremony.

By combining the purple clay artifacts and the Olympic spirit, the artist has created a set of works, including purple clay teapots inspired by the Olympic symbol, the five interlocking rings.

Thomas Bach and Lyu Junjie look at a purple clay teapot by Lyu. /Xinhua Photo

Lyu is the first Chinese purple clay artist to receive the honor.

Purple clay is a unique type of Chinese art that has a history of about 7,000 years. It is a national intangible cultural heritage, and has become renowned around the world for its craftsmanship and cultural connotation.

Lyu Junjie poses with medal. /Xinhua Photo

An Olympic-themed exhibition of Lyu’s purple clay works will be held in March in Olympic Museum in Lausanne. A teapot he made for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will also be on display.