Recently, a friend was sorting through a purple clay teapot he bought years ago and got quite a shock – the bottom of one teapot had developed a crack. It was in perfect condition when last used, but after being stored for several years, it had cracked. He couldn't figure out why.
It's truly heartbreaking when a purple clay teapot cracks, especially if it's an expensive one. Once a crack appears, its value drops significantly. So, why do teapots crack? Here are some possible reasons:
1. Improper Use
In addition to issues with craftsmanship, improper handling by the user can also cause cracks.
Common causes include damage from bumps or knocks (sometimes these hidden injuries go unnoticed) that later lead to the teapot cracking during use. Leaving a purple clay teapot exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods can also result in cracks.
Teapots can also crack due to sudden temperature changes or uneven heating and cooling. For example, in cold environments, some teapot enthusiasts don't have the habit of warming their teapots before use. If they pour boiling water directly into a cold teapot, it may crack.
Particularly important is the case where a teapot has been unused for a long time and becomes excessively dry, causing the structure to become loose. This is especially true for teapots made from coarse-grained clay like duanni. Pouring boiling water into such a teapot can easily cause it to crack.
2. Special Pot Shapes Prone to Cracking
Certain types of clay and pot shapes are more prone to cracking.
The most typical example is a zhuni (vermillion clay) teapot. Red clay, zhuni, and Dahongpao clays contract significantly during firing. When subjected to sudden temperature changes, they are more likely to crack compared to other clays.
Additionally, thin-walled teapots and certain unevenly walled Flower-shaped teapots (like Gong Chun) should be handled with extra care during use.
How to Prevent Cracks in Purple Clay Teapots?
1. Thorough Inspection at Purchase
Generally speaking, a well-made purple clay teapot will not develop cracks spontaneously without external damage. When purchasing a teapot, be sure to inspect it carefully for any large cracks.
2. Develop the Habit of Warming Your Teapot
When using your teapot in air-conditioned rooms during summer or in cold indoor temperatures during winter, first fill the teapot with warm water, then gently swirl it around. Next, pour warm water over the outside of the teapot, and finally, use it to Brew Tea. This method can effectively prevent the teapot from cracking.
Also, avoid pouring boiling water continuously onto a single spot on the teapot, as this can cause uneven heating. If you've just rinsed your teapot with cold tap water, don't immediately brew tea or fill it with hot water to warm it up. Instead, place it in a warm room to acclimate, then warm it gradually before brewing tea.
Have you taken note of these points?
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