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. The exhibition featured over 100 exquisite purple sand teapots, spanning from the Neolithic Age to the late Qing Dynasty, offering a condensed journey through the rich history of ancient Chinese ceramics. Each piece in the exhibition carries a unique story, reflecting years of dedication and passion.

At the center of the exhibition hall stood an ancient lamp pot crafted by famous masters of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Xu Sihai discovered it at a modest stall in Yangpu District, Shanghai. When he offered 3,500 yuan, the seller initially refused. After a failed counteroffer, Xu pretended to walk away. Upon returning, he found the pot missing. A quick inquiry revealed that another buyer had taken it. Desperate to acquire it, Xu rushed back, and the seller finally agreed to sell it for 5,000 yuan. Today, the same piece is valued at over 10 million yuan. “I was lucky I ran fast,” Xu joked, recalling the moment. He admitted that his decision to act quickly saved him from a major regret.

One of the most valuable pieces in the collection, a three-bent palace lantern pot worth over one million yuan, was acquired during his time as a military instructor in 1971. While browsing a stall in Shantou, the pot caught his eye, and he became instantly captivated. However, just as he was about to make a deal, he felt a sudden warmth on his chest—his wallet had been stolen. His ID, food stamps, and more than 20 yuan were gone. Without hesitation, he took a car ride of several kilometers to ask his comrades for money. Before leaving, he repeatedly assured the seller that he would return. Xu shared that many of his prized collections were once exchanged for simple items like sweaters or watches, often without any cash in hand.

In addition to these rare pieces, the exhibition also showcased Xu Sihai’s masterpieces, including the first domestic Zisha zodiac teapot he created after 12 years of meticulous work. On January 15th, Xu will be present at the museum to conduct a true-and-false identification session for purple sand enthusiasts, sharing his expertise and deep knowledge of the craft.