Commentary by Sergey Shevelev
This collection presents Yixing teapots by Xu Shunwei, a master working with a rare and technically demanding form of traditional wood firing. The teapots are fired in a dragon kiln and placed inside refractory saggers (匣钵), which shield the surface from direct flame and ash. The result is a clean, restrained wood firing—closer in logic to Jingdezhen traditions, yet executed entirely with Yixing clay.
Wood firing Yixing clays is notoriously difficult. Temperature control is unforgiving, timing is critical, and the failure rate remains high. That is why projects like this are uncommon. The kiln used here is among the finest working wood-fired Yixing kilns today.
Materials
Only top-grade Yixing clays are used: Duan Ni, Ben Shan Lü Ni, Zi Ni, and Huangjin Duan Ni—all sourced from Huanglongshan. These clays reveal their depth over time, which is essential for real tea practice. Xu Shunwei prepares the clay himself from aged, fossilized material rather than industrial blends, giving the teapots their density, structure, and reliable behavior.
Production & Experience
Sergey Shevelev has repeatedly visited the workshop and kiln and taken part in production stages. This is a first-hand assessment of quality—material, process, and outcome. Any perceived visual “imperfections” are typically a matter of expectation or unfamiliarity with this specific type of wood-fired Yixing work.
Positioning
This is not a “star master” project and not a manufactured legend. Its strength lies in material integrity, honest wood firing, and practical performance—not name recognition.
Final Assessment
Top-tier material. Authentic Yixing wood firing. Strong, functional teapots with an excellent price-to-quality ratio. These are tools for daily practice, chosen by experienced tea drinkers because they work—simply and reliably.
These Yixing teapots are part of our December New Arrivals and can be found in the updated collection here.
