Sintering

Many pot enthusiasts cherish their Yixing clay pots, yet they may be unclear or even completely ignorant about the relevant knowledge. Here are some essential facts about Yixing clay pots that are commonly asked by enthusiasts, which we would like to share with everyone. ① Why do Yixing clay pots made from the same type of Dicong Qing have different colors? The color can vary due to differences in firing times and temperatures, among other factors. As a result, even clay sourced from the same location can produce Yixing clay pots of different colors when fired. As shown in the following image (taken at the China Yixing Ceramic Museum), there are color variations even among samples of the same type of Dicong Qing clay. ② Does a lack of an inner stamp always mean the pot is not handmade? This is not necessarily true. Some individual artisans have different habits, and there are handmade pots without inner stamps. The presence or absence of an internal stamp cannot directly determine whether a Yixing clay pot is entirely handmade; it needs to be evaluated holistically. As a beginner, you don't need to worry about whether the pot is fully handmade or partially…

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…