About the Artist: Xu Yousheng
Senior Craftsman · Art Master · Folk Artisan
Xu Yousheng was born in Shuiji, a historic town in Jianyang, Fujian—widely regarded as the birthplace of black porcelain. Surrounded by centuries-old ceramic tradition, he developed a deep passion for Jianzhan from an early age.
Driven by curiosity and dedication, Xu spent many years researching traditional glazes and firing methods. In 2012, he successfully recreated the rare Golden and Silver Hare’s Fur glazes. In 2014, after more than a year of trials, he revived the classic Oil Spot (You Di) glaze. His crowning achievement came with the recreation of the Qinglong Black Radiance style—a highly complex and radiant glaze technique, now considered his signature contribution to modern Jianzhan artistry.
Each of his works is crafted using a traditional 13-step process, which includes ore selection, clay refinement, shaping, bisque firing, glazing, and wood kiln firing. Xu uses only iron-rich clay and natural mineral glazes, staying true to techniques passed down through over 800 years of Jianzhan history.
His work has earned numerous awards and widespread praise, with collectors and tea enthusiasts in China and around the world cherishing his pieces for their depth, texture, and historical resonance.