Purple Clay Teapot

The purple clay teapot is made from clay derived from minerals. In theory, it can be used indefinitely as long as it doesn't break. However, in reality, this isn't always the case. If a teapot is well maintained, it will remain fresh over time. But if during use, its inherent nature as a purple clay teapot is lost, even if the body of the pot remains intact, it loses its significance as a purple clay teapot. To ensure longevity for your purple clay teapot, the key lies in doing these things correctly.1Initiating the TeapotUse the right method to initiate the teapot and preserve the sandy properties of the purple clay. Popular online methods such as the "apple initiation method" or the "sugarcane initiation method" can have the opposite effect and damage the teapot's breathability. 2Knocking and BumpingWhen using a purple clay teapot, handle it gently. Sometimes, a slight knock may not be immediately visible but could cause cracks during later use. Since purple clay teapots are fragile, if you have children or pets at home, make sure they are out of reach.3AdsorptionPurple clay teapots enhance the aroma of tea due to their porous structure. This porosity also makes them prone…

Many people don’t understand: a purple clay teapot—it’s just a teapot, right? Why do some sell for tens of thousands of yuan? They find this hard to comprehend. An ordinary teapot might cost a few hundred yuan, but an expensive one can go for tens of thousands—what’s the difference? Is it because of the clay? Is the clay for a teapot that costs tens of thousands of yuan particularly expensive? In fact, the amount of clay used in making a teapot isn’t much; it only makes up a small proportion of the teapot. The price doesn’t reflect the cost of the clay; rather, the price determines the quality of the clay used. There is certainly a difference in the clay between cheaper and more expensive teapots, but the reason they are expensive is not simply due to the cost of the clay. Is it because the maker is famous and has a high title? In people’s preconceived notions, before even seeing the teapot, if they hear it’s the work of a certain master, they assume the price will be shockingly high. As these preconceptions become entrenched, they equate fame and high titles directly with the price of the teapot. High…

Brewing tea is an art that requires method. Even the finest tea cannot fully express its true flavor if brewed improperly. Only by following the correct brewing methods can one truly savor the authentic taste and enjoy a delicious cup of tea. So, how should white tea be brewed to bring out its best? How to Brew White Tea for Optimal Flavor? Techniques for Brewing White Tea! 1. Brewing Silver Needle: When brewing Silver Needle white tea, there are two key points to consider: First, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high, around 90 degrees Celsius is ideal; second, this premium white tea is covered in fine white down, so when pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds. Instead, pour the water along the side of the cup (or pot). This approach has two benefits: it protects the appearance of the tea buds and prevents the tea from becoming cloudy due to the release of too much down, which could affect the clarity and beauty of the tea's color. Although the Silver Needle tea leaves are slender and delicate, they are also plump and fleshy, allowing for a…

Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a teapot and believe that simply placing it in a clean spot after purchase is sufficient. Thus, they often place the teapot in a display cabinet or pack it into a box, considering their task complete. Such a method of storing teapots is highly inadvisable. Newly purchased teapots should be carefully nurtured during tea brewing sessions before being stored. Using a teapot skillfully is actually the best form of maintenance, although this may not apply to rare purple clay artifacts. Tang Yun, a prominent contemporary collector of purple clay, liked to use his "Man Sheng" teapots in rotation for brewing tea just like ordinary teapots. He once said, “I don’t want to use antiques as mere decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it.” Some guests would feel awkward when he served them tea brewed in such precious teapots. Mr. Tang would laugh and say, “These are merely external possessions; they should be used frequently. Only through frequent use can they become part of one’s inner self, achieving a state where both the object and oneself are forgotten. Most people do not understand this.”…

“Mud door” is a term often heard by enthusiasts of purple clay teapots. What does it mean? Simply put, it's a term used to describe the density or tightness of the particle distribution in the clay body of a purple clay teapot after firing. Low density is referred to as loose mud door, while high density is called tight mud door. Specifically, it relates to the preparation of the clay, the use of a slicking tool, and the pot-making technique. When identifying whether a teapot is fully handmade or semi-handmade, checking if the tightness of the mud door is consistent inside and outside the pot is one of the key methods. In brief, a fully handmade teapot is formed by hand using a bamboo paddle, so the characteristic of the mud door on the body is tight on the outside (surface) and loose on the inside (interior). The particles on the outer surface are densely distributed and become even tighter after the application of a slicking tool. However, the inner wall has not been pressed hard by hand but rather lightly shaped, so the particle distribution in a fully handmade teapot is relatively loose, meaning the mud door appears loose.…

Among the many types of purple clay teapots, what shape do experienced tea connoisseurs prefer? Experienced tea drinkers have sampled a wide variety of teas and naturally understand the aroma-enhancing capabilities of purple clay teapots. They collect various types of teapots, and among them, round-shaped teapots are the most frequently chosen. What are the appealing features of round-shaped purple clay teapots? 1. Easy to Handle For a tea connoisseur who enjoys sipping tea, a purple clay teapot is an object that should never be far from their hands. Whenever they have free time, they like to start brewing tea. Why do most people lean towards round-shaped teapots? After brewing tea, round-shaped teapots are easy to hold and play with. When brewing tea, hot tea water can be poured over the teapot, allowing the color of the tea to seep into the teapot. After drinking the tea, you can hold the teapot in your hand and caress it all over, which is enjoyable. Over time, the luster and water color of the teapot will become outstanding. With a square teapot, one can only admire it on the table. Square teapots have sharp edges, making them uncomfortable to hold and caress, unlike…

Liubao tea is best brewed using a clay pot, a glass pot, or a purple clay teapot. Liubao tea belongs to the category of dark tea and is a specialty product of Wuzhou, Guangxi. Its leaves are rich in content and have a substantial, coarse texture. The flavor is robust and rich, with a unique betel nut aroma. When brewing, a clay pot or a purple clay teapot can be used to enhance the smoothness of the tea soup. A glass pot can also be used to authentically reproduce the taste of the tea. What Kind of Teapot is Best for Brewing Liubao Tea? One: Purple Clay Teapot For regular Liubao factory tea, a purple clay teapot can be chosen for brewing. Purple clay teapots have good breathability and adsorption properties. They can gather the aroma of the tea without overpowering its natural essence or introducing a cooked flavor. Moreover, the aroma easily dissolves into the tea soup, making the taste richer and more pleasant in the mouth. Two: Nixing Clay Teapot When brewed with a Nixing clay teapot, Liubao tea has a pure and mellow aroma. The tea water produced is entirely true to the authentic taste of Liubao…

How should an idle purple clay teapot be stored?In fact, many of us who collect teapots will often encounter this problem. Typically, when we buy a new teapot, we rinse it with tea or water to "wake up" the clay. However, when we store it in a brocade box, we often overlook one important detail, which is a big no-no for storing a purple clay teapot. Here, I'll explain some common reasons why purple clay teapots develop mold spots: Possibility One: After washing the teapot, the owner puts the lid back on without allowing the pot to completely dry. This leads to stagnant water inside the pot, creating a humid environment that lacks air circulation, which provides an ideal habitat for mold growth. Possibility Two: High humidity in the air. During February and March, which are the rainy months in southern China, the air is very humid. If the space where the teapot is stored is not well-ventilated, improper storage can lead to mold formation. How do you remove mold spots? Procedure: Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot. When the pot is thoroughly heated, pour out the hot water and fill it with cold boiled water. Repeat this…

We often talk about the unique characteristics of purple clay teapots, such as their ability to retain fragrance when brewing tea and lack of cooked soup aroma. While the claim that they remain fresh even in summer might be an exaggeration, purple clay teapots do indeed have a distinctive “porosity” not found in other types of teaware. ▲ Brewing tea with a purple clay pot The porosity of purple clay teapots comes from their unique “double-pore structure,” which refers to the sand particles and their agglomerate structure within the clay material itself. ▲ Cross-section particles Purple clay materials used for making teapots vary in coarseness, indicated by different mesh sizes, leading many to wonder if the porosity of a purple clay teapot is related to its mesh size. Mesh Size The mesh size refers to the size of the purple clay particles. When we grind and sieve purple clay ore, we use a screen to determine the mesh size, with common sizes being 24, 32, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mesh. The smaller the mesh size, the coarser the clay particles; conversely, the larger the mesh size, the finer the clay particles. ▲ Cross-section particles The mesh size also affects…

Wandering through the streets of Chengdu, you'll find a teahouse every few steps. People gather to leisurely drink tea from gaiwans, enjoy local snacks, and listen to Sichuan opera – it's a comfortable life... Tracing the Origin of the Gaiwan Sichuanese not only love drinking tea but also invented the convenient gaiwan. Since the Ming Dynasty, gaiwans have been in use for hundreds of years. Even today, whether it's beginners learning about tea or experienced tea enthusiasts brewing tea, gaiwans are commonly seen. Gaiwans are made of stable materials that do not easily absorb flavors. They are easy to use and suitable for brewing all types of tea while allowing the tea leaves to exhibit their original flavors. They are considered the fairest and most impartial tea brewing tools. Therefore, seasoned tea drinkers and enthusiasts often choose gaiwans when trying out teas. In their hands, gaiwans are used with ease. Even when the water temperature is high, they remain calm and composed, appearing graceful and smooth to outsiders. However, when one attempts to brew tea themselves, they realize that using a gaiwan can be quite hot on the hands. When the hand shakes severely, one might think: "This isn't elegant…

A purple clay teapot is an essential utensil for tea drinking. It’s hard but brittle, and it’s easy to accidentally drop the lid while using or handling the teapot. The consequences are naturally unsatisfactory; either the edge will be chipped, there will be cracks, or it may even shatter into several pieces. While the former, though affecting the aesthetics, can still be used with some effort, the latter can only be swept into the trash, causing much displeasure.In the purple clay industry, there’s a saying: “It’s easier to make three teapots than to match one lid.” From this, you can understand how complicated it is to match a lid. So someone came up with a solution: tie a string on the teapot so that the lid doesn’t detach from the body and get damaged. So, should a teapot have a string attached? Some say that tying a string shows lack of expertise.This statement might seem rather blunt, making people feel it’s not very understanding, causing a slight discomfort. But some do say this and present strong evidence: in the famous hometown of purple clay teapots, no one ties a string on their teapot when brewing tea. They focus on the…

Purple clay is professionally known in the industry as purple clay ore, commonly referred to as five-color soil, and also known as "heavenly blue clay," "reddish-brown clay," "base groove clear clay," "bright red clay," etc. Generally, it refers to the basic raw material for making purple clay pots, a specialty of Yixing.It is found deep beneath the rock layers of Huanglong Mountain, between the "jia clay" strata. In Yixing, purple clay can be found in the clay mines within the Dingshu area. Products made from purple clay, such as purple clay teapots, rice cookers, vases, tea sets, and other purple clay crafts, owe their popularity largely to the tea-drinking culture. A notable feature of the purple clay teapot is that it does not overpower the aroma of tea and lacks a cooked scent; over time, even an empty pot will release a tea fragrance when filled with boiling water.The Aging Process of Purple ClayIn the field of purple clay, aged clay is generally referred to as aged or seasoned clay. This process is also known as soil nurturing and is commonly called storing the clay. It is one of the processing steps for purple clay ore. After the purple clay…

1. For a new pot, decide what kind of tea you will use it for. Will it be a tea with a strong aroma or one with a rich flavor? If you're particular about your tea, each type should have its own dedicated pot. However, if you're not too fussy, this isn't necessary. 2. When using a new pot, start by boiling it in a tea broth to remove the earthy taste and prepare it for nurturing. The method is to fill a clean pot with water and heat it gently until just before boiling. Then add the tea leaves and continue heating until the water boils. Remove the tea leaves and let the new teapot cool naturally in a dry place without any odors before using it. 3. After brewing tea with an old pot, remove the tea residue and rinse it with hot water to keep it clean and hygienic. 4. Pay attention to the "tea mountain" inside the pot. Some people leave the tea broth in the pot to accumulate over time, forming a "tea mountain." If not properly maintained, this can develop unpleasant odors. Therefore, it's important to rinse the pot with boiling water before brewing…

There are two types of teapot enthusiasts: those who love duanni, and those who do not. For those who dislike it, a moment's inattention can result in the pot looking grubby and even blackened in places. This instantly sours their appreciation, leaving them to rue their decision to purchase a duanni teapot.However, once a duanni teapot has been nurtured, its transformation is remarkable and exceptionally beautiful, evoking a deep sense of affection. This aesthetic pleasure and sense of achievement are likely only fully appreciated by those who adore duanni. As such, many teapot aficionados have a love-hate relationship with it.Duanni is essentially a coexisting deposit of green and purple clays. In the local dialect of Yixing, "duan" sounds like "tuan," hence why duanni is also called tuanni. Its light color means that improper care can lead to noticeable stains, which polarizes opinions—those who love it, love it deeply, while those who don't feel entirely indifferent.In "Seeing or Not Seeing" by Cangyang Jiacuo, he writes, "You see, or you do not see me; I am there, neither sad nor joyful." Similarly, duanni remains unchanged regardless of whether one likes it or not, unaffected by external preferences or personal emotions. The beauty…

Drinking tea for health has become the choice of many office workers. The purple clay teapot is a commonly used tea utensil, but what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in it? Does it have anything to do with the shape and size of the teapot? In fact, when using a purple clay teapot for brewing tea, apart from considering the type of clay used, you can also make choices based on the capacity and characteristics of the teapot's shape. So, what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in a purple clay teapot? What rules should be followed? Black Tea: West Beauty Teapot, Rongtian Teapot The common feature of the West Beauty Teapot and the Rongtian Teapot is their large belly, deep body, and plump, round shape, which can fully bring out the aroma of black tea without damaging the leaves. As the color of black tea infusion is relatively dark, it is suitable to use darker colored clays such as Tianxing clay, blue-gray clay, or Dicaoqing clay for making the purple clay teapot. Oolong Tea: Duozhi Teapot, Dragon Egg Teapot Most oolong teas expand significantly after brewing, so teapots with slightly larger mouths, like the Duozhi Teapot,…

Purple clay teapot has the "Five Treasures," and you will like it more and more! What are the "Five Treasures" of purple clay? In the practice of brewing tea, people have summarized the superiority of the purple clay teapot, which can be summed up in five major advantages: 1. Preservation of color, aroma, and flavor The high iron content in purple clay, after being fired at around 1200°C, causes the molecules to rearrange into a scale-like structure, forming numerous open and closed dual pores. This unique highly dense porous physical structure has strong adsorptive power. Due to the dual porosity, the teapot is breathable but not permeable, so when brewing tea, the color does not change, the aroma does not dissipate, and the flavor is not delayed. 2. Quick recovery of vitality Although tea brewed in a purple clay teapot can remain fresh overnight without turning sour or developing an odd smell even if left for a long time, if the teapot is not used for a while and stored improperly, it may develop an off-flavor. Simply rinse the teapot several times with alternating hot and cold water, and the teapot's vitality can be restored, allowing the true taste of…

    Authenticity Guaranteed As with any artwork that gains value, forgeries are bound to follow, and purple clay teapots are no exception. Here are several ways to distinguish authentic purple clay teapots from fakes: First, the clay and its texture. The clay used in different eras comes from different veins, each with distinct colors, particle sizes, and luster. Early pots were made from clay closer to the surface, which gives them a rougher texture and lighter color. The "sky-blue clay" of the late Qing period differs from other historical clays; it was coarse enough to be engraved with bamboo knives and wooden seals. Second, the craftsmanship and technique. Purple clay artisans have their unique styles, such as the smoothness of the surface, the thickness and curvature of lines, and the sharpness or roundness of contours. Third, the spirit and aura. Genuine works by renowned artists possess an unimitable spirit and vitality, making this the most important criterion for identification. These artists combine exceptional artistic sensibilities, skilled craftsmanship, deep understanding of clay properties, and mastery over firing temperatures, resulting in distinctive pieces that stand on their own. Fourth, calligraphy and painting characteristics. The landscapes, flowers, birds, and figures depicted on the pots…

The purple clay teapot is a treasure of traditional Chinese handmade pottery, renowned for its unique clay, exquisite craftsmanship, and elegant design. Not only does the purple clay teapot have practical value, but it also possesses artistic and collectible value. In recent years, with the rise in popularity of collecting these teapots, there has been an increase in imitations on the market, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake pieces. So, how can one identify authentic purple clay teapots? Methods for Identifying Purple Clay Teapots To distinguish between genuine and fake purple clay teapots, consider the following aspects: 1. Clay Material The clay material is the core element of a purple clay teapot. This clay originates from Yixing City, Jiangsu Province, and is processed through crushing, washing, aging, and other steps. The mineral composition of purple clay primarily includes quartz, mica, and iron oxide, which give the teapot unique properties such as good breathability, resistance to absorbing flavors, and strong heat retention. Authentic purple clay teapots have natural and uniform colors, fine and smooth textures, and comfortable tactile qualities. Conversely, imitation teapots are often made from pottery clay or porcelain clay, resulting in dull and unnatural colors, rough…

Believe it or not, most of us have had the experience of keeping pets from a young age. When we were little, our parents were usually the main caretakers, so our experience was more about having fun. Later on, when you became financially independent, you had more options for pets—cats, dogs, fish, birds, and so on—but how many successful experiences did you have in raising them? A tea lover's pet is an emotional bond, different from typical pets, as a tea pet can truly be kept without being discarded or abandoned. The pet of a tea lover is known as a tea pet. A tea pet, as its name suggests, is nurtured with tea water. It is actually a small handicraft made of purple clay or yellow mud, such as elephants, turtles, toads, Pixiu, pigs, and so on. Different tea pets carry different meanings; some symbolize wealth and contentment, while others represent happiness and good fortune. People collect them according to their preferences and place them on their tea tables. A beautiful tea pet is one that a tea lover spends time and effort slowly "cultivating." When drinking tea, a tea lover gently waters their pet with tea or brushes…

Purple clay teapots are considered the best among tea wares, perfect for brewing tea as they neither overpower the aroma nor introduce a cooked taste, which is why many people prefer using them. While enjoying your purple clay teapot, it's important to "nurture" it properly. A well-nurtured teapot will have a warm and dignified appearance, exuding a subtle elegance. Neglect, however, can result in an unsightly sheen or uneven coloring, ruining the beauty of the teapot.Let's discuss some key points to remember when nurturing your teapot.1. After use, the purple clay teapot must be cleaned thoroughly; do not allow tea residue to accumulate. The unique dual-pore structure of purple clay teapots allows them to absorb tea flavors, but you should not leave tea leaves in the pot just to nurture it. Over time, this can lead to the buildup of tea scale, also known as "tea mountain," which is unhygienic.2. When using the teapot, it's best to use a tray or place a mat under the teapot. Many enthusiasts place their teapots directly on a tea tray, and when pouring water or tea, the liquid often spills over the bottom of the teapot. If not cleaned regularly, the bottom of…

"Handmade" Purple Clay teapots can perhaps be understood as follows: apart from very low-quality "slipcast pots" (a method similar to metal casting), all Purple Clay teapots are handmade. It's more appropriate to say that the body of the teapot, lid, and knob are all handmade rather than simply stating "fully handmade teapot." The term "handmade teapot" now is either a popular catchphrase or one used by sellers to intentionally blur the lines for sales purposes. When delved into, "handmade teapot" generally refers to a Purple Clay teapot made without the use of molds. As Purple Clay teapots receive increasing attention across society, new concepts have emerged in the Purple Clay world. The classification and naming of clay materials already make people feel lost, and in recent years, the concept of "handmade teapots" has appeared. In the market, it is common to see descriptions such as "handcrafted" or "purely handcrafted" being used to justify the price of teapots. Such statements are so bold that even the old artisans who traditionally used molds to make Purple Clay teapots would feel ashamed. How should we understand "handmade teapots"? By its name, fully handmade means entirely crafted by hand. So, is a teapot made…

In the realm of purple clay teapots, we can categorize them into three types: plain-naked teapots, scholar-engraved teapots, and imperial teapots. The first category includes round, square, and ribbed teapots, which have a plain and naked body without any embellishments. They rely solely on the lines and shapes to convey their aura. ▲Wall-Raised Teapot Made by Jingzhou Designed and crafted based on the concept of jade walls, this teapot is flat and cylindrical in shape, with a gentle yet firm appearance that is harmonious and well-proportioned. The handle's rhythm of solidity and void is coordinated, and the overall shape is dignified and correct. The simplest points, lines, and surfaces are used to express the natural charm of plain purple clay teapots. ▲Monk’s Hat Teapot Made by Jingzhou The teapot features richly varied lines and appropriate proportions, especially with the tightening cloud-shoulder line at the neck and shoulder, enhancing the teapot's rhythm. The lotus petals’ proportion and opening angle give an impression of blooming lotuses. The size and thickness of the spout and handle are well-proportioned with the overall shape, while the cover’s layers are neatly raised, perfectly supporting the flower-shaped knob, making it appear dignified and restrained, finely crafted. ▲Precious…

The greatest charm of a purple clay teapot lies in its collectible value. A well-made and aesthetically pleasing purple clay teapot, cared for with the right methods over time, will see its value increase gradually as time goes by. Works by renowned masters are particularly sought after, as the saying goes: "What use are earthly jewels, compared to a single ball of clay from Yangxin." This has led some unscrupulous merchants to produce fake purple clay teapots in pursuit of profit.In particular, "ghost-made" teapots have been a hot topic in recent years. Those familiar with teapots can easily distinguish them, but newcomers who are not in the know still find it difficult to tell the difference! When you see a purple clay teapot, start by comparing it to the artist's classic styles or similar models, analyzing aspects such as material used, forming technique, effort put into the work, and artistic style:Material: If the artist is skilled in making purple clay teapots, they usually pay close attention to the materials used. They have personal preferences when it comes to choosing clay and would not use unfamiliar materials. Forming Technique: This refers to the artist's forming habits, which leave traces on the…

There are many "obviously fake" imitations and traps in the Purple Clay market. Many enthusiasts often ask us to authenticate various teapots. Here are a few types of teapots that you may have come across. Be very careful. Injection-molded teapots Pure Purple Clay cannot be used to make injection-molded teapots, so during the process of making these, a lot of glass water is added to the clay. The clay is placed in a ball mill for 48 hours, turning it into a very fine slurry. The slurry is then poured into molds, left for 1-2 minutes, taken out, dried, and processed into teapots. One person can produce 300-500 injection-molded teapots in a day. The glass water does not evaporate at high temperatures but seeps directly into the Purple Clay. Glass water contains water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and sometimes methanol, formaldehyde, and glycol. Methanol is highly toxic to the human nervous and blood systems, causing toxic reactions when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Methanol vapor can damage the respiratory mucosa and vision. To deal with such fakes, first, do not be misled by low prices of a few dollars or tens of dollars, buying cheap teapots with…