Beatrice L. Chang brings an unusually rich background to the study and collecting of Chinese and Japanese ceramics. She was born in Shanghai, educated in Shanghai's renowned Fudan University before she furthered her study a Master's Degree in the U.S. For the past 18 years, she has been the director and owner of Dai Ichi Arts, the leading public gallery devoted to contemporary Chinese and Japanese ceramics. Her expertise and acquisitions include the full range of Japan's ceramic production, from the finest examples of contemporary works to superb rare and ancient works. She is the author of a comprehensive, widely praised book ok Japanese ceramics, "Fired with Passion". She has given lectures at important art museums across the United States and curated innumerable exhibitions. Beatrice L. Chang's profund knowledge and genuine, infectious enthusiasm, rare qualities to find in an experienced art dealer, is well known in this field. Ms. Chang, who speaks and reads Japanese, travels frequently to Japan and China to keep abreast of new trends in ceramics, which is enjoying a period of exceptional creativity. Her close relationship with many of the most important, firmly established, highly creative ceramics artists has given her the opportunity to acquire exceptional examples of their art. Ms. Chang has a special interest in ceramic sculpture. She is proud of having introduced so many of today's leading Japanese and Chinese ceramic sculptors in her own gallery space, at important art fairs, and at art exhibitions spaces, in both non-profit and commercial art institutions.