Zhu studied at the Jingdezhen Ceramics Institute, where he taught after earning a master's degree. He continued researching traditional ceramics' craftsmanship, history and culture.

He points out pottery and agriculture went hand in hand in ancient China.

"Many Chinese ceramics were products of agricultural civilization. Farmers used to make ceramics in addition to doing farm work. They sold or traded their wares. This tradition advanced Chinese ceramics' development."

He often employs oxen as a motif, since the animals were integral to agriculture.

"In the earlier years, I used oxen in my ceramics and traditional-style paintings to portray idyllic lives," Zhu says.