Pottery

The Purple Clay through the Eyes of the Dingshan People What is purple clay? Purple clay is a type of stoneware, a ceramic product that lies between pottery and porcelain. It is a cultural heritage passed down from our ancestors and a shining diamond in the five-thousand-year history of Chinese culture. To the people of Dingshan, purple clay is not only a means of livelihood but also a form of culture. In their daily lives, the presence of purple clay is always evident. Flower pots for gardening, stone stools in courtyards, building materials for walls, jars for storing rice, discarded teapot lids repurposed as pen holders by artisans, chipped teapots used to hold vinegar at small wonton stalls under the big wooden bridge—whether flawed, discolored, or marred with blemishes, any defective teapots that cannot be sold find practical uses in everyday life. The love the people of Dingshan have for purple clay runs deep within their bones; it is unchangeable. Their confidence in purple clay has been passed down from generation to generation, never shaken! A person, a handful of earth, a clay teapot, and a city.

It is now the hottest time of the year, and most regions in the south have entered a hot and humid state. At this time, tea enthusiasts who have tea in their possession will face a severe challenge of storing tea during the summer. As we all know, tea leaves are very susceptible to environmental influences, and the requirements for storing tea are extremely strict. Especially with Pu'er tea, if stored well, it can become more fragrant over time and have collection value; if not stored properly, the tea can spoil, losing its drinking value and causing significant economic losses for individuals or businesses. Understanding the principles of tea transformation before storing tea is crucial for scientific storage. Factors Affecting Tea Transformation or Spoilage In fact, the transformation of tea leaves is directly related to temperature, humidity, oxygen, and light. Generally, the higher the temperature, the greater the humidity, the more sufficient the oxygen, and the stronger the light, the faster the oxidation, hydrolysis, polymerization, and other chemical reactions of the substances within the tea leaves will occur, resulting in a quicker change in taste components. Temperatures that are too high or too low are not conducive to the transformation…

The mesh size of the purple clay used in Jianshui pottery is much higher than that of other types of ceramics, usually over 200 mesh and can even reach over 300 mesh. Works made from such finely textured clay have many distinctive features in both craftsmanship and finished products. The foundation of unglazed polishing is fine clay. If the clay has a low mesh size or a grainy feel, it is unsuitable for unglazed polishing. The clay used in Jianshui pottery exceeds 200 mesh and is as fine as ointment. Those who have handled Jianshui purple pottery can personally experience the feeling of touching the surface of a clay pot, which is smooth like jade with no graininess at all. This is why Jianshui pottery can be polished to a luster as smooth as jade and even shiny enough to reflect light. Fine clay offers greater plasticity. Carving and filling on wet clay while preserving the essence of calligraphy and painting is one of the most unique aspects of Jianshui purple pottery. The reason why it's possible to paint, engrave patterns, and fill the clay (multiple times) on wet clay without damaging the body and achieve a high degree of…

Browsing purple clay teapots online, you likely have noticed the following: many shops are astonishingly cheap at first glance. Pots advertised for a hundred or two can be "authentic Yixing purple clay"? Not only are they cheap, but they often come in extremely intricate shapes. Each pot seems to try to convince you with its exquisite craftsmanship: not buying would be a great loss. Some pots, on the other hand, play up their names. With just an ultra-low price, they claim to use golden segments, heavenly blue clay, or dark red robe. Some even sell based on titles alone, without discussing the quality of workmanship, boasting significant appreciation potential. But upon closer inspection, some have monthly sales of over a thousand pots, often accompanied by a pile of free gifts. Something doesn’t add up. Before you actually buy a purple clay teapot, have you recognized the following two facts— Fact One When a purple clay teapot is priced at a hundred or two, or even lower, it’s destined not to be authentic Yixing clay. Most cheap teapots use outer mountain clay. That is, clay from mines in other provinces like Anhui Xinhang or Zhejiang Anji is passed off as Yixing…

 Popular Style: Purple clay artifacts have their roots in the soil of daily-use pottery. According to archaeological evidence, pottery-making activities date back to the Neolithic period, around five to six thousand years ago. By the Tang and Song dynasties, the greenware and daily-use pottery produced in Yixing were able to meet the needs of people's lives and production. Popular-style purple clay artifacts use common materials, feature simple designs, are highly functional, and are affordable. Scholarly Style: Chinese scholars have conducted extensive research into tea culture. Since the Song dynasty, drinking tea has been a significant part of scholarly gatherings. Thus, scholars began to infuse their aesthetic tastes into purple clay teapots. Scholarly-style teapots are made from carefully selected materials, have simple yet elegant designs, and bear inscriptions that express emotions through objects. These teapots possess extremely high cultural and artistic value. Court Style: The sources of imperial purple clay artifacts during the Ming and Qing dynasties came through two channels: the first was local officials selecting fine works by outstanding craftsmen to present to the court for imperial use; the second was when an emperor found a teapot unsuitable to his aesthetic standards or usage habits after using it, he…

Lin Yutang said, “Wherever they are, Chinese people are happy as long as they have a cup of tea.” Tea culture in our country has a history of thousands of years. From ancient times to the present, Chinese people have had the habit of drinking tea. During the Tang and Song dynasties, tea tasting became one of the most popular activities. The vessel is the father of tea. Good utensils can maximize the quality of tea and also influence the mood of the tea taster. Elegance and beauty should be the pursuit of every tea enthusiast. So, dear tea enthusiasts, do you know the intricacies of tea ware? What should tea novices pay attention to when choosing tea ware? 01 Porcelain Porcelain is the most common and widely inclusive material we use daily. Because porcelain is tightly compacted, it treats the flavor of tea impartially without affecting its natural aroma or taste. It can basically be used for brewing various types of tea. Porcelain is characterized by being "as white as jade, as clear as a mirror, as resonant as a chime, and as thin as paper." Its surface should be smooth and clean, and when illuminated by light, it…

Pu'er tea, renowned for its characteristic of improving with age and thus being referred to as "drinkable antique," not only requires high-quality raw materials and a complete production process but also needs an appropriate storage environment. The natural post-fermentation of Pu'er tea involves many aspects, and storage conditions will directly impact the drinking quality of Pu'er tea, affecting its color, flavor, and aroma. Storing Pu'er tea is very particular. A high temperature and humid environment can easily cause mold. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea, humidity should be controlled below 70%. Temperature should be maintained around 20°C-28°C. Avoid exposure to light and store in a sealed container. Raw and ripe teas should be stored separately. Nowadays, more and more people are drinking Pu'er tea. What kind of vessel should be used for storage? The answers vary widely. A popular saying is that "Jianshui purple clay pottery is a perfect match for Pu'er tea," but there was no scientific data to support this until now. The Shanghai Jiao Tong University - Jianshui Purple Clay Joint Research Center conducted research on the integrated development of Pu'er tea and Jianshui purple clay pottery. The research concluded that Jianshui purple clay pottery has the capability…

 When selecting a purple clay teapot, enthusiasts usually fear two things the most: first, buying a fake purple clay teapot, and second, purchasing one made from chemical-laden clay. So, how should one choose a good purple clay teapot? Look at the Texture Pure mine purple clay has a restrained luster, feels like warm jade, displays a stable color, and has an aged appearance. When using high-quality clay, noticeable results can be seen within half a month. Teapots made from chemically treated clay show little change no matter how they are cared for; they remain dry and brittle. Although they may achieve a so-called green bean paste effect, the surface glaze (caused by the addition of wood shaving water, also known as quartz water) is too heavy. The tea water does not penetrate, nor do the oils from handling, which means such a teapot cannot be properly conditioned over time. Check Water Absorption Genuine purple clay teapots, with the exception of those made from red clay and some segment clays, generally have strong water absorption capabilities. This is why it is often said that tea tastes better when brewed in a purple clay teapot compared to other types of teapots. Teapots…

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…

[Stone Gourd] A gourd cup for a simple life, its shape with tension holds a wondrous charm. The sound of stone resonates far, and with tripod legs, it heralds new poetry. Period: Qing Dynasty Made by: Chen Mansheng Description: The body of the pot is trapezoidal, with soft and smooth curves, giving an appearance that is thick and rustic. The spout is straight, simple yet powerful, often integrated into the overall shape of the pot. The handle is mostly in the form of an inverted triangle, complementing the shape of the pot to create a harmonious aesthetic effect. The lid is flat and the knob bridge-shaped, clean and neat with appropriate proportions, fully embodying the characteristic of exquisite craftsmanship. [Antique] Its might without a drum is like a drum, its scholarly belly pays homage to the sages of old. Low-key and refined, it cultivates diligently, joyfully serving as a sage of the earth. Period: Modern Made by: Gu Jingzhou Description: The Antique teapot is a classic type among many styles of zisha teapots. This teapot has a plump, sturdy neck that contrasts with the lower shoulder. The body is large, squat, and flat. The rim is wide, and the mother-and-child…

It's often said that a woman who drinks tea has a certain charm. And a woman who enjoys drinking tea from a Yixing clay pot possesses a natural, refreshing, and perfectly balanced beauty. Today, I'll introduce ten styles of teapots that are particularly favored by women. 01 Xi Shi (Doll) Teapot The Xi Shi teapot has a plump and adorable shape with graceful curves. The flush-fitting lid makes the entire form appear unified, making it perfect for handling. As one of the four great beauties of ancient China, the name Xi Shi naturally evokes associations of beauty, elegance, and nobility. As the saying goes: Beautiful is the Xi Shi, but the most wonderful is the Xi Shi teapot. 02 Beauty's Shoulder Teapot The Beauty's Shoulder teapot resembles an elegant and lovely ancient Chinese woman, exuding imperial splendor while also possessing the grace of a young lady. The design is full and dignified, with the main focus on the roundness of the body. The lid blends seamlessly with the body, and the teapot feels warm and smooth to the touch. 03 Smiling Cherry Teapot The Smiling Cherry teapot, originally named the Three-Line teapot, draws inspiration from ancient ceramic tea storage jars…

1. Old pots are always better than new ones. This statement is incorrect. Firstly, old pots from the Ming and Qing dynasties, if not made by famous artists, are inferior to modern purple clay works in terms of both clay quality and craftsmanship. This is because the techniques for mining, refining clay, and the tools used for making pots were not as advanced at that time. Secondly, so-called 'First Factory' or 'Cultural Revolution' era pots, which were made using gas kilns, do not have particularly distinctive clays. Many of these clays are still available today. 2. Purple clay pots are unsuitable for brewing green tea; glass cups are definitely better. This is also incorrect. One of the reasons why purple clay pots are considered the best tea utensils is their versatility. The claim that they cannot be used for green tea is based on the idea that they would oversteep the tea. However, purple clay pots made from dun clay with good breathability, wide openings, and fast pouring shapes are very suitable for brewing green tea. For those who prefer to watch the tea leaves unfurl, a glass cup can be used, but it is certainly possible to brew green…

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…

How long can Xiaoyinggan be stored? How should it be stored? Xiaoyinggan does have an expiration date, which is generally three years. However, if stored correctly, Xiaoyinggan can be kept for a long time. This is because the Xiaoyinggan undergoes a drying process to facilitate long-term storage. There are two methods of drying: natural sun-drying and direct heating. Sun-dried fruits have a richer aroma and better taste, but due to the rainy season in Xinhui from July to September, full natural sun-drying cannot meet the requirements of large-scale production and is difficult to manage due to unpredictable weather. Most producers adopt a semi-natural sun-drying technique. Taking Shitianyi Guozhenxiang Xinhui Xiaoyinggan as an example, they pick Xinhui Tianma oranges, fill them with Yunnan Imperial Pu'er tea after screening and cleaning, and then moderately supplement natural sunlight drying for more than five days. This method preserves the original flavor and nutritional components of the orange peel to the greatest extent. Under such conditions, the Xiaoyinggan we see on the market can indeed be stored for a long time. Moreover, the semi-sun-dried Xiaoyinggan becomes even more flavorful and fragrant over time. In terms of Xiaoyinggan, because it carries the common advantages of aged…

Tea ware is often referred to as the father of tea, for it carries the essence of a cup of tea. The word "China" itself also means porcelain, and the West came to know China through its porcelain. Early pottery, bronze wares, later porcelains, and teaware made from materials like purple clay and glass were all adapted to the social productivity levels and brewing methods of their times. The complete set of gold and silver tea ware unearthed from the Famen Temple’s underground palace from the Tang Dynasty is breathtaking (multiple types of tea ware can also be seen in the painting “Night Banquet in the Tang Palace”). During Emperor Huizong's reign, tea competitions included the use of tea ware as an essential element, and Jian bowls, necessary for the tea-whisking method, became popular. Three of the Jian bowls (also known as Tenmoku bowls) that were brought to Japan are now considered national treasures there. The five famous kilns that produced tea ware are also world-renowned. The evolution of tea ware is a vast topic, but at its core, it cannot be separated from three words: "ceramics, technology, culture." Today, we will explore the evolution of tea ware from two…

Purple Clay Snubbed in Japan Japan, like China, has a long history of "tea drinking," and is even renowned worldwide for its tea ceremony. Compared to the elegance and expressiveness of Chinese tea wares, Japanese tea utensils perhaps possess a more delicate and graceful Eastern charm. Recently, I met with Cui Shaosong, a porcelain collector who studied in Japan and worked in an antique shop there for five years. Listening to his detailed account, this unfamiliar craft from a foreign land became familiar and endearing. Unlike the Chinese custom of drinking tea, the Japanese often use ceramic pots glazed both inside and outside. "Lid-lifting teapots are rare; most are side-handle teapots with spouts uniformly facing left." The Japanese indifference to traditional Chinese teaware, the purple clay teapot, was something Cui Shaosong did not expect when he was back in China. During his travels, Cui Shaosong specifically noticed that Japanese museums, brimming with Chinese treasures, had never displayed a single purple clay teapot. The purple clay teapot he brought as a gift for his Japanese friends also received a polite but lukewarm reception. "Japan has its own 'purple clay,' known as 'beni' (vermilion clay), which is very bright in color, but…

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…

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…

Time, years pass by, becoming the sediment of your dreams, or the burial of them. All loneliness and deep affection, countless expectations and waits, become the rich sediment that fulfills your life. The world is rich, life is pure. This week, in cup after cup of tea, savor Liubao tea, savor yourself. Today, I'll share some storage insights on Liubao tea. In storing Liubao tea, I've paid a lot of tuition fees, taken many detours, and am constantly summarizing and improving. Currently, I prefer the following methods: 1. Liubao tea does not suit being too dry or too moist. Personally, I pursue natural storage, with humidity between 60 to 75 degrees. When it exceeds 75 degrees, I control the humidity appropriately. If stored in a highly sealed environment, open windows regularly for ventilation. Some dryness may be due to the need for periodic turnover; I suggest turning over once a year. 2. The warehouse should be cool, quiet, and not transparent. It's recommended to use blackout cloth to cover glass windows to prevent direct sunlight. Since tea prefers to sleep and remain quiet, some warehouses even suggest not allowing outsiders to visit. During regular tea retrieval and warehouse inspection, only…

Brewing the same Pu'er tea using different techniques often yields different experiences. If you're frustrated by not being able to bring out the true essence of the tea, try varying your brewing technique in response to its strengths and weaknesses. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover along the way. Six Ways to Brew Pu'er Tea 1. Gung Fu Brewing Method: This method is similar to how oolong tea is brewed, with all the tea liquor drained from each infusion, leaving no residue. This allows for a good appreciation of the changes in the water path of a tea, checking its durability and experiencing the changes in color, aroma, and taste with each infusion. 2. Root-Left Brewing Method: After rinsing the tea, always leave some of the infused tea liquor in the teapot, not completely emptying it. Typically, this involves leaving 20% and pouring out 80%, or sometimes leaving half and pouring out half. After pouring out the tea, add more water until the tea becomes light in flavor—then, you can steep it for longer periods. The root-left brewing method helps regulate the taste of the tea from start to finish, making the changes between infusions less abrupt.…

In Guangzhou, the Chaozhou region has a long-standing tradition of Kung Fu tea, and the Chaozhou hand-pulled red clay teapot (hereafter referred to as "Chaozhou pot") has become a representative symbol of Chaozhou culture. Although the Chaozhou pot, closely tied to the lives of the people of Chaozhou, is not struggling for survival compared to most intangible cultural heritages, it still faces the challenge of continuous inheritance and breaking through its limitations. "Earthenware Jars" Ascending to the Hall of Elegance Compared to the widely known Yixing purple clay teapots, Chaozhou pots are less famous. In fact, Chaozhou pots are also a type of purple clay teapot. However, there are significant differences in craftsmanship between Chaozhou pots and Yixing purple clay teapots. Unlike the method of manually shaping the body or joining clay pieces used in Yixing purple clay teapots, Chaozhou pots are formed using a hand-pulling technique, which requires a high level of skill from the potter. The potter must complete various shapes by pinching the clay while it rapidly rotates, followed by more than ten complex processes including trimming, attaching the spout, handle, and lid, carving, and firing, all requiring a deep foundation in manual craftsmanship. As an inheritor…

  Purple clay is a thin layer found within the Jia clay ore, and due to its higher iron oxide content compared to Jia clay, it turns purple or dark brown after firing, making it the primary material for crafting purple clay teapots. Purple clay can be further divided into purple clay, red clay, and green clay. Within the category of purple clay, there are also subtypes such as purple clay, Dicaoqing, Hong Pilong, Bai Pilong, Hong Mazi, and Bai Mazi. These three base clays are like the primary colors in painting, capable of producing an infinite variety of hues through different ratios of mixing. The color variations of purple clay achieved through different mixtures of these three base clays and firing temperatures are considered natural and additive-free. This is similar to how we would refer to fabrics dyed with natural plant pigments by ethnic minorities as naturally colored coarse cotton cloth. The color changes in purple clay are related to the types and proportions of metal oxides present in the clay. After firing, the clay can display a range of colors including sky blue, dark liver, hibiscus red, vermilion purple, aquamarine, sunflower yellow, pear skin, pomegranate peel, dark green,…