Behind each pot is a collection of stories

As the designer of the iconic "Expo Word Kettle" for the Shanghai World Expo, renowned Chinese purple sand collector and ceramic artist Xu Sihai recently unveiled his private collection for the first time at the Xiangshan Art Museum. Visitors were amazed by over 100 exquisite purple sand teapots spanning from the Neolithic Age to the late Qing Dynasty, offering a compact yet profound glimpse into the history of ancient Chinese pottery. Each piece in the exhibition carries a unique story, reflecting years of dedication and passion.

At the center of the exhibition stood a rare Ming or Qing Dynasty Zishahu tea pot, one of the most valuable pieces in Xu’s collection. He discovered it at a modest stall in Yangpu District, Shanghai. When he offered 3,500 yuan, the seller refused. After a failed counteroffer, Xu pretended to walk away. But when he returned, the pot was gone. Upon investigation, he learned that another buyer had purchased it. Desperate, he rushed back and negotiated with the seller, who finally agreed to sell it for 5,000 yuan. Today, the pot is valued at over 10 million yuan. “I was lucky I ran fast, otherwise I would have regretted it forever,” Xu laughed, recalling the moment.

Another prized possession, a three-bent palace lantern pot worth over one million yuan, was acquired during a trip in 1971 while Xu was serving as an instructor. While browsing a stall in Shantou, he was instantly drawn to the piece. As he became engrossed in its beauty, he suddenly felt a warm sensation on his chest—his wallet had been stolen. With ID cards, food stamps, and more than 20 yuan missing, he quickly decided to return home, borrowing money from his comrades to complete the purchase. Before leaving, he repeatedly assured the seller that he would come back. Xu shared that many of his collections were acquired through barter, trading sweaters, watches, or even cash when he had none.

In addition to his historical treasures, the exhibition also featured Xu Sihai’s masterpieces, including the first domestically made Zisha zodiac teapot, crafted over a span of 12 years. On January 15th, Xu will host a live session to help enthusiasts distinguish authentic purple sand teapots from imitations, sharing his deep knowledge and experience with fellow collectors.