余旋 • Yu Xuan

Mid-Level Craft Artist • Cultural Heritage Successor • Vice President of the Jianyang Tea Ware Ceramic Association

Biography

Yu Xuan (余旋) is a skilled Jianzhan artist known for combining traditional firing techniques with elegant, modern aesthetics. Born and raised in Shuiji, Jianyang — the historical heart of Jianzhan — Yu Xuan has dedicated his craft to preserving and innovating upon the legacy of Jian ware.

Recognized as a certified mid-level arts and crafts master, he is also an officially designated successor of Jianyang’s intangible cultural heritage. His studio’s creations are rooted in ancient Song Dynasty traditions, often fired using time-honored dragon kilns and signature glazes that evoke the cosmic depth and luster Jianzhan is famed for.

Yu Xuan currently serves as the Vice President of the Jianyang Tea Ware Ceramic Association and is the Technical Director at Jianyang Anyuan Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Awards & Exhibitions

  • 2015: Silver Award – Traditional Peacock Feather Oil Spot Lid at the 4th China International Cultural Expo, Zhongyi Cup
  • 2015: Gold Award – Traditional Silver Spot Lid, same exhibition
  • 2018: Galaxy collected by the China Science and Technology Museum in Nanjing
  • 2018: Black Base Silver Spot Lid and Black Base Silver Spot Oil Drop Lid collected by the Yunnan Provincial Art Museum and listed among Fujian’s Art Treasures
  • 2019: Elected Vice President, Jianyang Tea Ware Ceramic Association
  • 2020: Appointed Fifth-Generation Successor of Jianyang Tea Ware Craftsmanship
  • 2021: Technical Director, Jianyang Anyuan Ceramic Co., Ltd.

Studio Seal

His pieces are typically signed 余旋 and bear a red seal reading 余旋手作 (“Yu Xuan Handcrafted”).

Material & Origin

  • Material: Iron-rich clay, mineral glaze
  • Origin: Shuiji, Jianyang, Fujian Province

Signature Style

Yu Xuan’s work is distinguished by its cosmic textures, precise lid-fitting forms, and balanced proportions. Whether exhibiting silver spots, oil spots, or deep black mirror glazes, his wares reflect a mastery of kiln control and artistic intention. They are functional, elegant, and collectible — bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary tea aesthetics.