Kiln

It is the continuous transformation during daily use that attracts so many enthusiasts of Zisha teapots. This ongoing change is what we call "nourishing the pot."Many pot lovers are puzzled during this process. A good pot may show changes after only ten uses, but some enthusiasts have had no patina develop even after a year of use. What could be the reason for this? Below, we mainly discuss several factors that determine the effect of nourishing a pot:The quality of Zisha clay itselfThe quality of clay on the market varies greatly. Some chemical clays simply do not nourish and remain unchanged after one or two years. On the other hand, high-quality clay makes the pot very delicate; some can even feel the changes immediately when exposed to boiling water.A Zisha teapot's clay is fundamental; even with excellent craftsmanship, without good clay, it would be like building a castle in the air, unable to withstand scrutiny.We often refer to Zisha clay as "original mountain, original mine," which refers to Huanglong Mountain. Compared to clay from other areas such as Changxing and Anhui, original mine Zisha clay from Huanglong Mountain is easier to nourish. Original Mountain ClayMost original mountain clays are flaky…

Tang Dynasty tea utensils During the Kaiyuan period of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, people across the country, regardless of their religious beliefs, made drinking tea a part of daily life. It was during this time that tea culture developed and the production of tea utensils entered an upward trajectory. This stimulated the production of Tang Dynasty ceramics, and places that produced tea also promoted the development of local kilns. Yuezhou, Shouzhou, Wuzhou, and Qiongzhou were all known for both abundant tea and ceramic production. Due to differences in social status, people's pursuit of the use value and cultural value of tea utensils varied. The imperial court favored luxurious utensils made of gold, silver, jade, and other precious materials. Commoners, on the other hand, preferred utensils that were economical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, mainly using ceramic tea sets. Tea Bowls According to archaeological records, Tang Dynasty porcelain bowls have been unearthed in many regions across the country. Although these bowls from different kilns had distinct regional characteristics, they shared one common feature: they all produced wide-mouthed bowls with slim bases and a flat bottom resembling a jade disc. In "The Classic of Tea – Chapter Four: Utensils," Lu Yu…

Metal utensils are among the oldest in China, made from materials such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Before Qin Shi Huang unified China, bronze vessels were already widely used, both for alcohol and for holding tea or water. As tea became a beverage, tea ware gradually separated from other types of utensils. Around the Northern and Southern Dynasties, China saw the emergence of silver and gold tea ware. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the production of silver and gold utensils reached its peak. From the Song Dynasty onwards, opinions on metal tea ware were mixed. After the Yuan Dynasty, especially starting from the Ming Dynasty, with innovations in tea varieties, changes in tea-drinking methods, and the rise of ceramic tea ware, metal tea ware, including those made of silver, gradually disappeared. Particularly, tea ware made of tin, iron, and lead was believed to alter the taste of tea, leading to their rare usage. Silver and gold tea ware can be classified by material: those made of silver are called silver tea ware, while those made of gold are called gold tea ware. Silverware decorated with gold foil or gilded is referred to as gilded tea ware. Due…

Celadon, the pinnacle of glory in the history of Chinese ceramics, and Plums Green is the finest of celadons. How many are enchanted by that lustrous verdure? On scorching summer days, tea is most appropriate. Prepare a set of Plums Green celadon tea wares. Just one glance brings a sense of coolness. The Plums Green celadon evokes memories of green plums hanging from branches on rainy early summer days at first sight. This fresh and elegant aura easily stirs memories of youth. Green glaze is the earliest colored glaze in China. The yellowish-green glaze of proto-porcelain during the Shang and Zhou dynasties marked the early stage of green glaze. By the Han dynasty, pure green glazed porcelain had been produced. By the Tang dynasty, it reached perfection and was acclaimed as "the verdure of a thousand peaks." Plums Green, the finest of celadons; and celadon, the pinnacle of glory in ceramic history. The Plums Green glaze has a gray base tone, with hues of green and blue, the glaze layer is thick like congealed fat, and the glaze surface is lustrous and clear. Its beauty cannot be fully appreciated at first glance, and its charm is indescribable. The exquisite Plums…

Many people complain about the high price of a handcrafted purple clay teapot. In contrast, there are many inexpensive purple clay teapots on the market, ranging from tens to a few hundred yuan, which are quite popular. But do you know how these "cheap purple clay teapots" are made? These types of teapots are mostly made using slip-casting technology, where the clay is mixed with kaolin and water glass and then ground into a 200-mesh slurry, almost devoid of particles. The slurry is then heated and wax added before it is poured into plaster molds. After cooling and demolding, the teapot body is formed, fitted with spout and handle, and becomes a poorly porous body. After forming, it is coated with a slip for finishing. Thus, they become cheaper and cheaper to produce. Many enthusiasts' first lesson in purple clay teapots involves buying a slip-cast pot. A slip-cast teapot is not the same as a semi-handmade one; don't confuse them. A slip-cast teapot has no handmade components and is mass-produced. Semi-handmade teapots use molds only for shaping the body and require manual work for other parts. How to identify a slip-cast teapot: 1. Low Price Slip-cast teapots have low material…

The topic of how to properly prepare a new purple clay teapot for use has been discussed extensively. However, many newcomers to the world of purple clay teapots still fall into common traps. Here are some incorrect methods that you should avoid: Mistake One: Tofu Preparation Method "Boiling tofu can remove the 'fiery' quality of a new purple clay teapot, absorb earthy odors and kiln dust, and break down any residual substances in the teapot." ▲ Preparing a teapot with tofu Firstly, there is no such thing as a teapot having a 'fiery' quality. This term is used in traditional Chinese medicine to describe human conditions. Secondly, the claim about absorbing odors is baseless. If this were true, we would place tofu instead of tea leaves or charcoal sachets in new homes and cars. Furthermore, after being fired at over 1,000 degrees Celsius, it's unclear what residual substances could be broken down by boiling tofu. Mistake Two: Sugarcane Preparation Method "Sugarcane, with its natural sweetness and fragrance, can imbue the teapot with an unprecedented level of nourishment, laying a solid foundation for future brewing." ▲ Preparing a teapot with sugarcane The idea behind using sugarcane (or apples) for preparation is…

As tea culture continues to evolve, people’s requirements for tea ware have become increasingly higher. Not only is there a demand for its functionality, but also for its aesthetic value. It can be said that the more exquisite the tea ware, the more pleasant the tea tasting experience becomes. Therefore, fine tea ware often adds much enjoyment to tea drinking. Due to their different materials used in production, tea wares can be categorized into earthenware tea ware, porcelain tea ware, metal tea ware, glass tea ware, and bamboo & wood tea ware. Each type has its own unique charm and brings a different kind of enjoyment during tea tasting. 1. Earthenware Tea Ware Earthenware tea ware is the earliest type of tea ware in China. As early as the initial period of Northern Song Dynasty, earthenware tea ware had already taken shape. Since it is fired at high temperatures and densely sintered, it is both leak-proof and has microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye. This means it neither heats up too quickly nor gets too hot to handle. Furthermore, the shapes of earthenware tea ware are often simple yet elegant with various forms and colors that are rustic and…

Many newcomers to the tea ceremony often ask, what type of tea ware is suitable for beginners? Here's a small suggestion: when starting your tea journey, consider beginning with acquiring a host cup. So, what is a host cup? By definition, it's a cup specifically used by the host, distinct from those used by guests. It's a cup that represents your taste and personality on the tea table. There's a well-known saying in tea circles: "Without a personal cup, there's no complete tea session." On the tea table, you can often see that the cup used by the person brewing tea (the host) is different from the cups used by the guests. If you pay close attention, you'll notice that the host cup tends to be somewhat more exquisite than the cups used by guests. This article will introduce host cups based on their characteristics and types. How does a host cup reveal the host? A host cup can generally give an idea about the host's identity, taste, and preferences. Host cups come in various materials and designs, some featuring painted or carved patterns such as flowers, birds, mountains, and streams. The owner of such a cup usually has artistic…

When everyone first starts playing with purple clay teapots, they know nothing about the colorful varieties of purple clay. Then they gradually learn about types like purple clay, duan clay, red clay, and so on. At first, they think they've become proficient, but then they discover names like purple eggplant clay, old purple clay, red skin dragon, black star soil, golden duan, and more... which leaves them even more confused. I dare say that most enthusiasts are still at this stage: constantly exploring and collecting an endless variety of purple clay types. However, if you continue to delve deeper, you'll find that all the different types of clay are just derivatives or coexisting clays of the initial few types. They're only given different names due to differences in the color of the ore, the location of the mine, and the final color of the finished product. 1. Purple clay includes types like bottom groove clear (Dicaoqing) and old purple clay. The color range primarily spans from brownish yellow, brownish red, to chocolate colors. When assessing whether it's good quality material, pay attention to the particles. Personally, I believe that relatively correct purple clay materials will usually have a grainy feel,…

The world of a teapot is vast, and the life of tea is long! Whether you're new to the world of purple clay teapots or an experienced aficionado, there are always questions that need answers! Here we have collected some frequently asked questions from enthusiasts and provided detailed answers. 1. Why does my new purple clay teapot have an unusual smell? Answer: The reason why tea brewed in a purple clay teapot tastes particularly good is due to its unique double-pore structure, which can absorb the aroma of tea. Naturally, it can also absorb other odors. A newly made purple clay teapot may have some earthy smell or a slight burnt odor, which are normal kiln-related scents. 2. Is purple clay exclusive to Yixing? Answer: Purple clay is a unique mineral found in Yixing. In May 2006, Yixing purple clay was included in the first batch of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List. To date, no one has discovered anywhere else in the world with the same type of ore as Yixing's purple clay. Clay from other mountains often contains a lot of sand and impurities. Purple clay from other regions can be considered purple clay pottery, but the finished…

In the height of summer, we've entered the dog days. The weather is both sultry and humid. When we take out some tea stored at home to tidy up, we often find that much of it has molded and can no longer be consumed – a great pity. Nowadays, more and more people enjoy tea, but many don't know the best methods for storing it. Some even keep their tea in basements, garages, or even in the refrigerator with food – all very incorrect practices. Tea leaves have strong hygroscopic and odor-absorbing properties, making them easily susceptible to absorbing moisture and odors from the air. This is especially true in the hot, humid weather of summer when they are more prone to microbial growth. How should you store tea at home? Most teas purchased by households come in cans or as loose tea. Since you won’t use it all at once, you’ll face the issue of storage. Here are some common household tea storage methods. Let’s learn them together. Sealed Bag and Foil Bag Storage Method Select bags with sealable closures designed for food, or professional sealable bags. Choose those made from thicker, higher-density materials and avoid using scented or…

Chinese people enjoy sipping tea, with the tea culture being passed down for thousands of years. The main components of tea culture include the evaluation techniques of tea leaves, artistic operation methods, appreciation of the tea-drinking environment, etc. The entire process of tea drinking is imbued with a beautiful ambiance, and in this overall process, tea utensils, as the foundation, are indispensable. Alongside the millennial development history of tea culture, the evolution of tea utensils can be said to be a beautiful landscape in its own right. The Tang Dynasty was the first peak in the history of ceramic development in China, and the flourishing of tea drinking at this time also spurred the development of tea utensils. During this period, tea utensils had a broader field for development. Archaeological excavations at kiln sites prove that, in addition to kilns such as Yue Kiln, Ding Kiln, Wuzhou Kiln, Yuezhou Kiln, Shouzhou Kiln, and Hongzhou Kiln, Northern kilns like Xing Kiln, Quyang Kiln, Gongxian Kiln, and Southern kilns like Jingdezhen Kiln, Changsha Kiln, and Qionglai Kiln were also producing tea utensils in large quantities at the time. This sufficiently demonstrates the close integration of ancient Chinese ceramic culture with traditional tea…

Why talk about this topic? It's inspired by frequent sincere requests from enthusiasts saying: I want to buy a teapot, no high demands, as long as it’s made of original mine clay. Others start with the first question: Is it original mine? The pursuit of original mine purple clay is a basic consensus among collectors and enthusiasts. This isn't some elitist prejudice; we must admit that in the minds of players, original mine material is like "noble offspring." So, what’s so good about original mine clay? The essential conditions for original mine clay refer to both the source of the mine and the fact that no chemical additives are used in the raw material extracted directly from the mine to make the clay. Good original mine purple clay contains many tender clays and is a combination of various minerals, especially with very high iron content. After firing, the color becomes dark and subdued, presenting an aged appearance. Additionally, good original mine clay has been aged for a long time, develops patina quickly, and is highly adaptable. In terms of texture, teapots made from original mine clay have a refined luster that is restrained and warm like jade. These are all…

Famous Chinese tea wares include celadon, white porcelain, and more. Where are they produced? Let’s delve into the details below. The Top Ten Production Areas for Famous Chinese Tea Wares: 1. Yue Kiln: Known for Celadon Production The Yue Kiln is a primary production site for southern celadon in ancient China. The Tang Dynasty marked the peak of Yue Kiln craftsmanship, earning it a distinguished reputation both domestically and internationally. 2. Xing Kiln: Known for White Porcelain Production The Xing Kiln was one of the earliest sites in Northern China to produce white porcelain. It was located in Neiqiu County and Lincheng County’s Qicun area, under the jurisdiction of Xingtai City, and holds a significant place in the history of Chinese ceramics. 3. Ru Kiln: Known for Sky-blue Glaze Ru Kiln is located around Qingliang Temple in today’s Baofeng, Henan Province. Named after the city of Ru during the Northern Song Dynasty, it is renowned for its celadon tea wares, including sky-blue, pea-green, and powder-blue varieties. 4. Jun Kiln: Known for Copper-red Glaze The Jun Kiln, also known as Junzhou Kiln, was established in the town of Shenhoushen, Henan Province, during the early Song Dynasty. The ancient Jun Kiln site…

The phrase "this purple clay teapot has been fired multiple times" is often seen. Does this mean it wasn't fired properly the first time, so it had to be tried again? Actually, that's not the case. So why were older purple clay teapots fired only once, while modern ones are fired two or more times? Is it better to fire them once or twice? When Were Teapots Fired Just Once? Before the Republic of China period, local artisans in Dingshu hadn't yet adopted modern kiln-firing techniques and mostly used dragon kilns. Dragon kilns have poor controllability, and each additional firing increased the risk of damage. Therefore, older teapots were typically fired just once. As a result, the lids rarely fit tightly, unless the potter was an exceptional master who understood the clay's properties perfectly. Such masters were rare. Why Are Modern Purple Clay Teapots Fired Multiple Times? With advances in modern technology, new kilns like shuttle kilns and electric kilns have become common, allowing for precise temperature control. With higher standards for craftsmanship, a second firing became standard practice to ensure a tight lid fit. The first firing is at a lower temperature. After the teapot comes out of the…

Due to being part of the same Eastern cultural sphere, Japanese tea wares emphasize connotations just like those in China. This piece shares content from Chapter Five of “Tea Pleasures in Variegated Colours: The Spread of Chinese Tea and Foreign Tea Affairs,” written by Yu Yue and published by Guangming Daily Press in August 1999. Since the 13th century, the custom of drinking tea has been widespread in Japan. After Kato Saemon studied porcelain making in our country and returned home, he began to pay attention to the porcelain industry. Kato, also known as Tojirō, settled in Seto, where generations of potters have maintained the traditional production of Seto ware. In 1510, Goro-taifu came to Jingdezhen, China, to study porcelain manufacturing and returned to Japan in 1515. He brought back the techniques and materials needed for producing blue-and-white porcelain from Jingdezhen, setting up a kiln in Arita, known for its clay, marking the beginning of porcelain production in Japan. While in China, he went by the pseudonym Wu Yangrui, and the porcelain he made was also called Xiangrui. These products were limited to using Chinese techniques and materials without significant innovation but later became rare and expensive porcelain. By the…

Why is it that when you first get your hands on some teapots, even before you start brewing tea in them, they feel very smooth and oily? Have you ever wondered why? While it's true that the aging of the clay and the artisan's skill in burnishing contribute to this, without a good base quality, the teapot wouldn't come out of the kiln with such an oily finish. The term "oily" confuses many enthusiasts. You might often hear statements like, "This teapot is made from Hongjiangpo clay, which has a very oily texture." Clay with oil content? High-quality clay naturally contains an oily component. When you repeatedly smooth the cross-section of good ore, you can faintly see signs of oiliness, much like how high-quality jade is naturally lustrous and over time becomes more like sheep fat. However, lower-quality jade will never achieve such an effect no matter how many years pass. Purple clay is similar in this regard. The oily texture of purple clay teapots is inherent in the clay itself. Other characteristics of purple clay can be artificially adjusted, but the oily texture is difficult to change. If the ore has good oiliness, then the teapot made from it…

Zisha Teapot In the early years of the Republic of China, the city of Yixing, known for its bamboo groves and kiln smoke, welcomed an ordinary day. However, in Dingshu Town, the Ceramics Apprentice School was bustling with excitement. The owners of Utilization Company, major kiln households, and prominent figures in Dingshu Town were all agitated. It turned out that a walnut-shaped teapot, created as a graduation piece at the Ceramics Apprentice School, had been made exceptionally well, drawing much attention. The walnut-shaped teapot was a specialty of renowned teacher Fan Dasheng, who had recently won a gold medal at the Panama Exposition. This particular teapot was even better than the one that had won the gold medal. Although it belonged to the same type, it was not a mere copy but instead possessed more charm and grandeur. The creator of this graduation piece was Feng Guilin, who was just a teenager at the time. As the saying goes, "A myriad of shapes emerge effortlessly from his hands, unmatched by any other." Feng Guilin's zisha teapots vary in form—some are plump, others slender; some tall, others short; some square, others round; some intricate, others simple. They often undergo changes and…

Is it necessary to inaugurate a new purple clay teapot? A newly made purple clay teapot lacks luster. Inauguration is not mandatory, but it can help remove unwanted odors and clear any residual heat and dryness, so it is recommended. For good black tea, Pu'er tea, aged white tea, and oolong tea, one should pair them with a fine Yixing purple clay teapot, which enhances the ambiance and experience of tea drinking. Many newcomers to the world of teapots are often misled by various inauguration methods found online. In fact, a new purple clay teapot can be used directly after being cleaned with water; there is no need for a complicated inauguration process. Firstly, the master believes that whether inaugurating or nurturing the teapot, one should follow nature and use simple yet effective methods. There are two inauguration methods commonly found online: one involves using tofu placed inside the teapot and then simmered in a pot, while the other replaces tofu with sugarcane, both cooked in a similar manner. Neither method is advisable, in the master's opinion. How to properly inaugurate a teapot? The main purpose of inauguration is to address the residual earthy taste and kiln dust within the…

Some people find wood-fired purple clay teapots stunning, while others think they lose the original beauty of purple clay. Ultimately, the choice is left to individual tea enthusiasts. In addition to wood-fired pieces, there are also reduction-fired and ash-covered purple clay teapots. Today, we will cover all three techniques in one go. Wood-Fired Purple Clay The wood-firing (naked firing) process gradually increases temperature. On the first day of firing, a low-temperature smoking process begins, allowing the carbon released from the wood to fill the pores of the clay. Once the surface of the clay turns black due to the carbon, the temperature can be further increased. This process takes approximately 30 hours. The characteristic of wood-firing is that ashes and flames directly enter the kiln. Unlike conventional glazes, the falling ashes naturally adhere to the surface of the piece and, when fired at high temperatures, form a lustrous, rich, and layered natural ash glaze; Molten or unmelted wood ash creates smooth or rough textures on the surface, along with various color changes, leaving traces of where the fire once resided. The result is natural and unadorned, unpredictable and non-repeatable. The color and texture of a wood-fired purple clay teapot depend…

When creating a beautiful piece, the more variables involved, the weaker the human control becomes. However, luck always stands by every craftsman who truly invests their life and wisdom in it. As long as you have sufficient accumulation and patience, fine works will naturally emerge. Shoe firing ceramics are both man-made and reliant on nature, a collaboration between heaven and humanity, with its wonders lying within. Shoe firing refers to the production of ceramic wares using wood as fuel. This is an ancient technique with a high degree of difficulty, where the success or failure of the work depends on the relationship between clay, fire, wood, and kiln. Returning to nature, the fusion of fire, earth, and ash gives rise to a natural, thick, and primitive beauty. Shoe firing seeks the natural combination of wood ashes and earth, not bound by formal aesthetics, but rather without any artificial embellishment. The beauty of simplicity is attached to everything, and only in the formless yet shaped shoe-fired ware can one touch the soul. Shoe firing is mainly divided into two categories: glazed (base glaze) and unglazed (natural glaze). For example, Song Dynasty Tenmoku bowls and celadon glazes are glazed, while Bizen-yaki from…