Many people complain about the high price of a handcrafted purple Clay teapot.
In contrast, there are many inexpensive purple clay Teapots on the market, ranging from tens to a few hundred yuan, which are quite popular.
But do you know how these “cheap purple clay teapots” are made?
These types of teapots are mostly made using slip-casting technology, where the clay is mixed with kaolin and water glass and then ground into a 200-mesh slurry, almost devoid of particles. The slurry is then heated and wax added before it is poured into plaster molds. After cooling and demolding, the teapot body is formed, fitted with spout and handle, and becomes a poorly porous body. After forming, it is coated with a slip for finishing.
Thus, they become cheaper and cheaper to produce. Many enthusiasts' first lesson in purple clay teapots involves buying a slip-cast pot.
A slip-cast teapot is not the same as a semi-Handmade one; don't confuse them. A slip-cast teapot has no handmade components and is mass-produced. Semi-handmade teapots use molds only for shaping the body and require manual work for other parts.
How to identify a slip-cast teapot:
1. Low Price
Slip-cast teapots have low material and production costs, resulting in low quality and thus very cheap prices. If you come across a “Purple Clay Teapot” that is abnormally cheap and comes with many other cups and saucers as gifts, be cautious. Slip-cast teapots can be found at almost every major tourist spot across China.
2. Abnormal Luster
Some slip-cast teapots look quite attractive at first glance. However, due to the manufacturing process, these teapots have a glossy finish from a high-mesh glassy slurry. They are noticeably lighter than regular purple clay teapots. They have a light feel and exhibit vitrification in cross-sections, similar to red clay.
3. Unusual Shape
The more lines or complex shapes a teapot has, the harder it is to make, even if we consider the difficulty of making a fully handmade one. So, if you see a complex-shaped teapot being sold cheaply, it's likely a slip-cast teapot.
4. Smooth and Particle-Free Feel
Due to the requirements of the slip-casting process, slip-cast teapots are smooth both inside and out, with no visible sand particles. In contrast, handmade purple clay teapots are made from original purple clay mines, crafted through dozens of steps by hand, and embody practical value, artistic value, and collectibility.
(Beating the clay strips)
(Forming the body)
(Making the spout and handle)
(Fitting the spout, handle)
(Repeatedly smoothing and pressing)
(Making the lid)
(Finished product)
The above is a condensed version of the teapot-making process, followed by firing, trimming, and more. A finished purple clay teapot coming out of the Kiln requires significant effort and time, with continuous investment throughout the process.
A good teapot takes relatively longer, and it demands experience, skill, understanding of the shape, and personal technique, so making a good teapot takes time. Under such circumstances, if a good teapot is very cheap but takes a long time to make, it might be better to make poor-quality teapots instead. Poor-quality teapots are faster to make, and in the same amount of time, making poor-quality teapots yields quicker returns.