Among the purple clay pots created by Xu Sihai, many were created in response to current events. In early 2009, he planned, discussed, conceived and created the World Expo-themed purple sand work with calligrapher and painter Lu Songxian, and invited painter Han Min to paint "Laozi Tasting Tea". Later, Xu Sihai and his son Xu Zefeng led the disciples of Sihai Kiln to create 18 types of gift pots for the Shanghai World Expo, which were praised by Chinese and foreign tourists during the World Expo. It is reported that the entire set of Expo gift pots was sold to a collector for 180,000 yuan at an auction.
He and Zhao Benshan got to know each other over tea five years ago, and they even worked together to create the "Mountain and Sea Purple Clay Pot" series. So far, more than thirty kinds of "Shanhai teapots" have been created, with two of each type, one each by Zhao Benshan and Xu Sihai. In the future, the two will also launch 100 "Shanhai Pots" with novel styles and different shapes. Each pot is handmade by Xu Sihai and decorated with paintings, and inscribed by Zhao Benshan. The two worked closely together and made a perfect match. Each "Shanhai Pot" is signed by both of them and comes with a numbered certificate. The collection value is self-evident.
Xu Sihai is not only a Shanghai-style purple clay art master renowned at home and abroad, but also a legendary collector of ancient pots. In the Sihai Teapot Museum he founded, more than 1,000 purple clay teapots from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties collected by him are on display. Among them, the treasure "Daheng Pot" was originally a family heirloom specially made by Shao Daheng for the Pan family in Yixing. What is surprising is that this pot has been moved around with its owner without any damage. Later, the Pan family needed money to build a house and planned to sell the Tycoon Pot. When the news came out, Xu Sihai, who was participating in the establishment of the Yixing Zisha Craft Factory, heard about it. He discussed with his wife Jin Pingzhen and rushed to Pan's house to see the pot. After a lot of hard work, he bought the Tycoon Pot for 30,000 yuan. This money Not a small number in the 1980s. Gu Jingzhou, the master of purple clay, spoke highly of the Tycoon Pot. He even made a special trip to Xu Sihai's house and asked to take a look at the Tycoon Pot. This was Gu Jingzhou's last trip to Shanghai before his death.