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 of duanni is determined by itself, not by the observer.
How to Nurture a Duanni Teapot?
A duanni teapot, with its high sand content, requires a longer nurturing period. Its porous structure is larger than other clay types, making it particularly prone to absorbing the color of Tea. This can lead to an uneven patina, especially during the first 1-2 months of use when the pot is frequently rinsed with tea.
Purple and red clays, which are darker in color, can be watered with tea to enhance the development of a patina, achieving a lustrous finish in a relatively short time. However, duanni Teapots are light in color, and Pouring dark tea over them early on will cause an uneven patina, resulting in inconsistent colors across the surface.
Considering the properties, color, and suitability for different teas, duanni teapots are ideal for brewing lighter teas such as white and green teas. While this is true, ultimately, one Drinks tea for enjoyment, not solely for the sake of nurturing the pot. Regardless of the tea's color, it is crucial to clean the pot promptly after each use, removing any remaining leaves and thoroughly rinsing the interior.
The cleanliness of the teapot is unrelated to the type of tea used. Claims that duanni easily turns black are a misunderstanding. This issue is largely dependent on the user's habits; neglect inevitably results in unappealing discoloration.
Duanni has its unique characteristics, officially described as undergoing significant changes when nurtured. Due to its rich colors, after some time, the entire teapot develops a significantly improved luster. How beautiful is a duanni teapot with a developed patina? Only those who have nurtured one truly understand. Patience is key when nurturing a duanni teapot. By taking things slowly, allowing the process to occur naturally from the inside out, the resulting teapot is both pleasing to the eye and the heart.