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 handmade. Firstly, there's no difference in Drinking Tea between fully handmade and partially handmade pots. Secondly, you won't be able to make a judgment at the beginning.
If you're buying a pot, as a beginner, you just need to ensure that the pot is made of Yixing clay, has good quality clay, excellent craftsmanship, and is a shape you like. That means you've already started on the right path.
③ What does sintering refer to in the production of Yixing clay?
Sintering of a Yixing clay pot refers to the physical state where low-melting point substances melt and fill the gaps between un-melted substances under high-temperature conditions, but do not reach carbonization (charcoal black) or calcination (formation of pinholes or bubbles).
④ Are pots made from Dahongpao clay lighter in weight?
This is not necessarily true. The weight of a Yixing clay pot depends on factors such as the mesh size of the clay, the thickness of the pot walls, and the size of the pot. There's no rule that certain types of clay are heavier or lighter.
⑤ When buying a pot, what problems can you identify by tapping and listening to the sound it makes?
This method is suitable for experienced enthusiasts, as the sound of a pot depends on multiple factors such as its shape, thickness of the body, coarseness of the clay, firing temperature, tightness of the clay body, age of the pot, and the tapping position. Below are some personal insights for reference:
Ⅰ. Pots made from clay with higher mesh sizes produce a crisper sound when tapped, while pots made from clay with lower mesh sizes produce a more muffled sound. This is because finer particles in clay with higher mesh sizes result in a denser clay body, producing a crisper sound upon tapping, similar to porcelain. On the other hand, pots made from clay with lower mesh sizes have less dense clay bodies, resulting in a somewhat muted and dull sound when tapped.
Ⅱ. Different shapes and sizes of pots produce different sounds. The internal resonance paths differ when pots of different shapes are tapped, leading to distinct sounds. Additionally, pots of different sizes have different resonance radii, also affecting the sound.
Ⅲ. Pots with different wall thicknesses produce slightly different sounds when tapped. Thicker walls produce a slightly deeper sound, while thinner walls produce a relatively crisper sound.
Warning to pot enthusiasts: Do not tap Yixing clay pots casually. Accidents can happen and damage others' pots, especially for beginners.
⑥ Why hasn't my Yixing clay pot developed a patina after a month of daily use?
Authentic Yixing clay will definitely develop a patina, but the quality of the clay and the method of care vary from pot to pot, and factors such as water quality and type of Tea also influence the results.
If your pot has not changed noticeably within a month, consider these possible reasons. Conversely, if you've been caring for your pot correctly but still haven't developed a patina, you might want to talk to the seller.
To properly care for a Yixing clay pot, one must not rush. There is no set time frame for developing a patina, nor is there certainty about the level of patina that will form. However, as long as you take good care of your pot, it will reward you in due course.
⑦ Which type of clay is easier to develop a patina?
Different pot shapes should be paired with different types of tea, which affects the speed of patina development. Therefore, developing a patina involves a combination of clay type, pot shape, and tea. Of course, considering only the clay factor, the better the clay, the richer its oil content, making it easier to develop a patina quickly.
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