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 tea in a purple clay pot.
3. Qinghuadun (blue-gray dun) is the best clay among all types.
This is somewhat one-sided. For example, it's difficult to compare clays like blue-gray dun or Ben Shan green clay, as different types of clay perform differently and personal preferences vary. Comparisons are only meaningful between clays of the same type, such as different sources of Dizaoqing (e.g., No. 4 mine has the best oiliness).
Is Qingni (clear mud) necessarily inferior to jinhuan dun (gold ring dun)? The rarity of jinhuan dun makes it more precious, but this does not mean that clear mud is inherently worse!
Comparisons of characteristics should only be made within the same type of clay, as different types are not comparable.
4. XXX clay is the best for brewing tea.
This statement is incorrect, and it is similar to the point above in that there is no basis for comparison.
Firstly, different clays paired with different teas will produce different effects, and there are many variables involved.
Secondly, the subjective experience of Drinking Tea plays an important role. Some people may be able to discern differences, while others may not. Therefore, there is no definitive answer as to which clay is the best for brewing tea.
5. It doesn't matter if a pot comes with a certificate if it's just for personal use.
This statement has some merit but lacks consideration.
When buying a pot purely for personal use and without any thought of collecting, a certificate may seem unnecessary. You should choose a pot you like and ensure that the clay, shape, and craftsmanship are excellent.
However, if your eye for quality or luck is exceptional, and the artist becomes highly sought after in the future, you might have to pay to obtain a certificate ten years down the line.
A certificate is not essential for appreciation, but it is always good to have one, and it also represents mutual trust between you and the artist.
6. There is no distinction between genuine and fake purple clay pots; only good and bad ones.
This statement is absolutely incorrect. Can slip-cast and slip-molded pots be called purple clay pots? They are fake purple clay pots.
These pots, which depart from traditional handcrafting methods and use glass water to form through slip casting, lose the fundamental breathability characteristic of purple clay. Such pots are not genuine purple clay pots.
They can be called tea utensils, pottery, or simply pots, but they are certainly not authentic purple clay pots.
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