Wood-Fired Tenmoku Oil-Spot Hare's Fur Tea Bowl by Chen Xuan-Heng

Chen Xuan-Heng, recipient of the Silver Award in the Exquisite Craftsmanship category at the 3rd "Dream of Craftsmanship" National Cultural and Creative Arts Competition in 2025. He is a versatile artist specializing in ceramics, sculpture, and oil painting, with a passion for playing and singing Okinawan sanshin. He graduated from the Sculpture group of the Fine Arts Department at Fu-Hsing Trade and Arts School and pursued further studies in the Sculpture Department at the Taiwan Provincial College of Arts and the Decoration group of the Ceramics Department at the Graduate Institute of Craft. This provided him with a solid artistic foundation. His work emphasizes the feel of the hand and brushstrokes, often employing diverse textures for decoration. This enriches the layered variations of ash glaze during the wood-firing process, allowing viewers to perceive the depth and beauty of the pieces. He presents his tea bowl creations under the name "Xuan Tea Ware" and has held numerous solo exhibitions, showcasing the beauty of fire dancing in Taiwanese folk crafts fired in wood kilns. Furthermore, Chen Xuan-Heng is a self-taught Okinawan sanshin player and singer, frequently sharing performance videos on his YouTube channel, demonstrating his passion and talent for music. He continues to create ceramic works and shares his creative journey and daily life through social media platforms. In essence, Chen Xuan-Heng injects new vitality into Taiwan's art and culture with his diverse artistic talents, exhibiting a unique style and passion in both his ceramic creations and musical performances. Should you wish to learn more about Chen Xuan-Heng's work or visit his exhibitions, it is recommended to follow announcements on major Taiwanese art exhibition information platforms or relevant ceramics associations for the latest exhibition and event details. Chen Xuan-Heng, Ceramic Artist Chen Xuan-Heng is a Taiwanese ceramic artist renowned for his works that blend traditional and contemporary styles. His creations often reflect a deep concern for nature and culture, exploring the diversity of form and texture through the medium of clay. Chen Xuan-Heng's works have been exhibited in numerous domestic and international exhibitions and have received recognition from the art community. He also actively participates in ceramic education and promotion activities, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of ceramic creators. Should you wish to learn more about Chen Xuan-Heng's work or visit his exhibitions, it is recommended to follow announcements on major Taiwanese art exhibition information platforms or relevant ceramics associations for the latest exhibition and event details. Educational Background and Experience Chen Xuan-Heng graduated from the Sculpture group of the Fine Arts Department at Fu-Hsing Trade and Arts School and completed his technical training in the Decoration group of the Ceramics Department at the Taiwan Handicraft Research Institute in 1992. In 1993, his work was selected for the creation group of the 1st Golden Ceramic Award Competition, demonstrating his strength and innovative spirit in the field of ceramics. Exhibitions and Publications Chen Xuan-Heng's works have been exhibited in various shows, such as the solo exhibition "The Beauty of Fire Dancing in Taiwanese Wood-Fired Folk Crafts" held at the Shuanghe Gallery of the National Taiwan Library in 2016. Additionally, he has participated in publications, contributing illustrations for Li Qi-Chang's book "Awakening Appreciation: Exploring the Aesthetic Consciousness of Japanese Tea Ceramics." Chen Xuan-Heng's works have been exhibited in various shows, such as the solo exhibition "The Beauty of Fire Dancing in Taiwanese Wood-Fired Folk Crafts" held at the Shuanghe Gallery of the National Taiwan Library in 2016. Additionally, he has participated in publications, contributing illustrations for Li Qi-Chang's book "Awakening Appreciation: Exploring the Aesthetic Consciousness of Japanese Tea Ceramics." The book was published by Le Zhi Publishing in June 2023, and a simplified Chinese edition was published by Beijing Jiuzhou Publishing House in October 2024. Purchase and Contact Information You can purchase Chen Xuan-Heng's works or find more information through the following platforms: Pinkoi Store: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51756629589_6233725549_m.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51756629439_389509d4b6_m.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51756629649_46c8bc8aab_m.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49808000336_f6c7ff981a_z.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49807841938_ded25bd09b_z.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49810268112_fa6da685a9_z.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50002793013_0672932d40_z.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50003315566_d56c115c62_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49996917317_f112cb0cb3_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49996143653_a98c7bd224_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49996917267_ff6e7f5889_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49933658796_b1d5a3dd61_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49613769862_f53804a647_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49996663451_987ab79055_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50627840317_d2817c4e46_m.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50627840312_848e823e41_m.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50842572448_34c747d18f_b.jpg Additionally, his works are exhibited and sold at "Jiying Ju" located at No. 73, Jianshanpu Road, Yingge District, New Taipei City, which showcases works by multiple ceramic artists. You are welcome to visit and make your selection. Xuan Tea Ware Simple and Natural Charm The Warmth of Handcraftsmanship, by Xuan-Heng Zhuo Yun Yue Heng Studio Tempered by four days and three nights of 1270°C high-temperature firing in a wood kiln. Adhering to the spirit of Xuan Tea Ware's simple and natural charm, Accompanying tea lovers through every moment of profound tea immersion. Brief Biography of Chen Xuan-Heng: Graduated from the Sculpture group, Fine Arts Department, Fu-Hsing Trade and Arts School Completed technical training in the Decoration group, Ceramics Department, Taiwan Handicraft Research Institute in 1992 Selected for the creation group, 1st Golden Ceramic Award Competition in 1993 Graduated from the Sculpture Department, Taiwan Provincial College of Arts Designer for Xinglong Kiln Ceramics Gift Development Graduated from the Department of Crafts, Taiwan National University of Arts Lecturer for Hand-Pinch Pottery in Life, Sanzhong Community University, Luzhou Campus, New Taipei City Selected for the 5th Taiwan International Golden Teapot Award Ceramic Design Competition Exhibition in 2014 Joint exhibition at the New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum Exhibited wood-fired tea bowls from the "A Bowl of Scenery" tea ware series at the Xiamen Tea Expo in 2014 Solo exhibition "The Beauty of Fire Dancing in Taiwanese Wood-Fired Folk Crafts" at Wen Shi, Taipei in 2015 Exhibited wood-fired ceramic tea ware at the 20th MIF (Macao International Trade and Investment Fair) at The Venetian Macao in 2015 Solo exhibition "The Beauty of Fire Dancing in Taiwanese Wood-Fired Folk Crafts" at the Shuanghe Gallery, National Taiwan Library in 2016 Executive Secretary, Committee for the Appreciation of Cultural Relics, Chinese Cultural Heritage Protection Association Solo exhibition "The Most Beautiful Encounter of Earth and Fire ~ When Natural Glaze Meets Mineral Glaze, Wood-Fired Ceramics" at Wen Shi, Taipei in 2017 Solo exhibition "Chen Xuan-Heng Wood-Fired Daily Life Ceramics" at Xueyi Cheng, Dadaocheng, Taipei in 2018 Exhibited at the 13th China (Zhejiang) International Commodity Fair in Yiwu, Zhejiang in 2018 Selected for the 7th Taiwan International Golden Teapot Award Design Competition and exhibited at the Farglory Museum of Fine Arts, New Taipei City in 2018 Exhibited at the Taipei World Trade Center Tea Culture Industry and Creative Aesthetics Exhibition in 2018 Exhibited oil paintings from the Xuan Tea Ware series at the Taipei World Trade Center Tea Expo in 2018 Excellence Award at the Weiwuying Elite Pottery Award International Tea Culture Competition in 2018 Exhibited at the 14th China (Zhejiang) International Commodity Fair in Yiwu, Zhejiang in 2019 Selected for the 8th International Golden Teapot Award Ceramic Design Competition and exhibited at the Port Art Center, Taichung City in 2020 Joint exhibition "Dazzling Gold: Wood-Fired Ceramic Tea Ware and Flower Vessels" at Mengjiao Gallery, Taipei City in 2021 Joint exhibition "Wood-Fired Ceramic Tea Ware and Flower Vessels" at Cangshan Gallery, Sanyi, Miaoli in 2021 Illustrator for "Awakening Appreciation: Exploring the Aesthetic Consciousness of Japanese Tea Ceramics" (entire book) in 2023 Solo exhibition "Tea Ceramics Illustrations and Ceramic Works" at the Four Four South Village Museum, Taipei City in 2023 Joint exhibition "Today is a Good Day" Tea Ware Series with the Nantou Pottery Society at the Nantou Cultural Affairs Bureau in 2024 Joint exhibition with the Nantou Pottery Society at Nantou Tou Wude Hall in 2024 Joint exhibition with the Nantou Pottery Society at Taichung Dadun Cultural Center in 2025 Joint exhibition with the Nantou Pottery Society at National Changhua Living Arts Center in 2025 Awarded Silver Medal in the Exquisite Craftsmanship category for "Daily Gift" at the 3rd "Dream of Craftsmanship" National Cultural and Creative Arts Competition, Hsinchu Cultural Affairs Bureau in 2025 A Brief Sharing on Wood Firing Tea enthusiasts often believe that wood-fired tea ware, due to the prolonged high-temperature firing in wood kilns for at least four days and three nights, possesses far-infrared properties. The carbon from the burning wood is said to integrate into the ceramic body. Consequently, drinking tea or water from wood-fired tea ware is believed to soften hard water, making it superior to glass cups. Some even use wood-fired cups for drinking red wine or Kaoliang liquor, reportedly to eliminate the harshness of Kaoliang or the astringency of red wine. Experiments comparing glass cups and wood-fired cups have shown that after being left to sit for a minute or two, the taste from the wood-fired cup is indeed better. This is attributed to the porous nature of wood-fired pottery, often referred to as "breathing pottery." This characteristic is also why many tea connoisseurs prefer storing aged tea in wood-fired ceramic tea caddies, allowing the tea to continue transforming. Furthermore, lovers of Pu-erh tea also favor wood-fired tea ware. As aged tea is rare and expensive, using wood-fired tea ware can help new tea achieve a taste closer to that of aged tea. The above are the commonly cited reasons why tea enthusiasts cherish wood-fired tea ware. However, as individual sensory perceptions vary, I primarily introduce and encourage appreciation for the uniqueness and beauty of the ash glaze and fire marks in wood-fired objects. For me, wood firing is an act of collective physical strength, willpower, and judgment—an action art, and the most beautiful encounter between earth and fire. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50000864017_9bf4930ca1_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49612990488_aab37935b0_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49613765582_ab00ce75f1_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50000892172_9a7815eba9_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50000892127_90faff869b_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50000635521_d0f5ecccc3_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50000635466_48d1e4cd5f_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49613800472_0dd64cab2e_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49996143928_606c6a23fd_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49613786857_44848fc986_h.jpg **Gentle Reminder Before Ordering** **Material** **Ceramic** **Usage and Care Instructions** **1. Not suitable for ovens, microwaves, or dishwashers.** **2. Do not use steel wool for cleaning, as it may scratch the ceramic glaze. Please use a soft cloth or sponge brush.** **1. Some products are hand-glazed, resulting in variations in glaze color due to the depth of the glaze material.** **2. Some items are handmade, so they may not be perfectly uniform in size like mass-produced items. Wood-fired pieces may occasionally have drips or marks from glaze flow that have been polished. These will be clearly indicated in the product photos and descriptions. If you are someone who seeks absolute perfection, please consider and appreciate the unique characteristics of handmade items before placing an order.** **3. Due to the mineral content in ceramics, minor imperfections such as small pits, bubbles, or small iron spots may appear. These are natural phenomena resulting from high-temperature firing.** **4. Due to color variations on consumers' 3C screens and natural changes during the firing process, there may be slight color differences between the products listed on this website and the actual items received. The color of the delivered item will prevail.** **Designed and handcrafted by Taiwanese artisans or commissioned for mass production**