In most people's minds, antiques are valuable and have the potential to appreciate in value. Thus, many believe that this is also the case when it comes to collecting purple Clay Teapots.
Graphics and Text | Sandhai Mo Yun
To date, the earliest known and dated purple clay Teapot discovered was the “Wu Jing Tiliang” unearthed in Nanjing in 1965. Purple clay teapots from the Ming and Qing dynasties are certainly “antiques” compared to modern ones.
Ming dynasty Wu Jing Tiliang
But does that mean that all Ming and Qing dynasty teapots are valuable?
The answer is clearly no. Only those Ming and Qing dynasty teapots that meet certain necessary conditions can be considered valuable “antiques.”
Below, Xiao Yun will analyze what makes a Ming and Qing dynasty teapot valuable (necessary conditions).
01
A Genuine Ming or Qing Dynasty Teapot
When considering whether a Ming or Qing dynasty teapot is valuable, the first step is to determine if it is truly an old teapot rather than a modern imitation of an old one.
Faux-Aged Imitation Teapot
There are now people who specifically collect old teapots, leading to a significant number of fake old teapots on the market. Some individuals even go so far as to apply shoe polish to new teapots in order to achieve their goal of deception.
02
A Well-Crafted Ming or Qing Dynasty Teapot
When evaluating the value of a purple clay teapot, historical age is undoubtedly an important factor, but equally important is its craftsmanship, workmanship, and artistic design.
Craftsmen in every era vary in skill level, and only works at the pinnacle of craftsmanship command higher values.
Qing Dynasty Chen Mingyuan's Wuni Shuyao Teapot
Selling Price: RMB 9.89 million
This remains true today, and it is not necessarily related to an artisan's title. Many untitled artisans possess exceptional skills, and their teapots are highly valued and recognized by the market.
Ming Dynasty Shi Dabin's Diamond Petal Round Teapot and Flat Round Teapot
Selling Price: RMB 21.85 million
Compared to contemporary teapots made by certified artisans, ordinary Ming and Qing dynasty teapots may not have as high a collection value. Sometimes newer teapots are more valuable than older ones.
03
Whether It Was Made by a Renowned Artist
Many Ming and Qing dynasty teapots sell for high prices at auctions, which can be astonishing and might create the misconception that all genuine old teapots are valuable.
In reality, most of these high-priced teapots were crafted by renowned Ming and Qing dynasty teapot makers or are famous scholar teapots, such as those made by Shi Dabin, Chen Mingyuan, and Chen Mansheng.
Qing Dynasty Chen Mingyuan's Perfume Transmission Teapot
Selling Price: RMB 34.5 million
The rule that authentic works by renowned artists command high prices is universal, and it applies to other art forms as well. Whether a teapot was made by a renowned artist is the most critical factor in determining its value.
The market is flooded with imitations of old teapots. If you have an interest in Ming and Qing dynasty teapots, it is essential to understand the style, techniques, marks, and seals of a particular maker. Carefully consider all factors before making a purchase.
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