China has a long and venerable history of cultivating bonsai. Yixing pottery flower pots, with their elegant and subdued coloring, infinitely varied forms, and excellent moisture retention, drainage, and breathability, have won the favor of bonsai enthusiasts. After the establishment of the Yixing Pottery Factory, production of flower pots was maintained at a consistent level year-round. In 1964, Gu Jingzhou personally taught six members of the research studio—Zhou Zunyan, Pan Chiping, Gu Shaopei, Xu Leping, Chen Fenlin, and Zhang Shulin—the techniques for making large flower pots. Due to Gu Jingzhou's exacting standards, the Yixing Pottery Factory's flower pot production earned a distinguished reputation. During this period, he also personally designed and crafted a collection of small flower pots.