Xin Pipes

Li Xin began his journey into pipe making in 2015, following several years of woodworking. Before discovering pipes, he maintained a small woodworking space and spent much of his free time building furniture, but after the birth of his son in 2014, he found himself looking for a new way to pursue his interest in working with wood. A mutual friend eventually introduced him to fellow China Academy of Art graduate Yang Zhimin, who gave Li his first exposure to pipe making and later accepted him as his first apprentice. He quickly found a passion for the craft and left his regular job in 2016 to pursue pipe making full-time.

After several years of learning and developing his craft, Li launched his own brand, Xin Pipes, in 2018, converting the attic above his apartment into a workshop where he continues to work today. His background in design and art history informs his approach, with a particular appreciation for simplicity, clean lines, and balanced proportions.

In 2023, Li began specializing in bamboo pipes, drawn to the challenge of incorporating naturally formed materials into his work. Rather than forcing the material into a predetermined design, he enjoys recognizing its natural beauty and allowing it to influence the finished composition. Inspired by artisans including S. Bang, Davide Iafisco, J.Alan, Abe Herbaugh, Chris Asteriou, and Yang Zhimin, Li's work reflects his interest in finding harmony between thoughtful design and the character of natural materials.

Outside of the workshop, Li enjoys reading, historical documentaries, and stand-up comedy. He has also translated German books into Chinese, with ten of his translations having been published. An enthusiastic pipe smoker, he enjoys trying a wide variety of blends but regularly reaches for Orlik Golden Sliced and Solani Silver Flake.