Many Teapot enthusiasts snub half-Handmade teapots and are eager to acquire fully handmade ones. But what are the actual differences between these two crafting methods?
Differences Between Fully Handmade and Half-Handmade
(1) Firstly, from a craft perspective:
Half-Handmade: These teapots still involve manual work. Simply put:
First type: The spout, handle, and lid are handcrafted while the body is made using a mold.
Second type: The body is handmade while other parts are made with molds.
Third type: The entire teapot is formed using molds, so half-handmade teapots can also be called mold-made teapots.
Fully Handmade: This involves using tools without molds to create a teapot, making the process more challenging and time-consuming.
(2) Half-Handmade Teapots Cannot Be Mass Replicated Indefinitely
Some enthusiasts worry that half-handmade teapots can be endlessly replicated using molds. In reality, half-handmade teapots still contain the maker's creativity and are unique.
For example, the Ti Bi Teapot by Gu Jingzhou and the Curved Teapot by Wang Yinxian both use molds for shaping. Even contemporary masters or senior artisans cannot achieve the same effect when using the same molds. Some teapots, especially those with intricate designs, cannot be crafted without molds.
(3) From a Practical and Collectible Perspective:
The essential function of a teapot is to serve tea. As long as it meets the criteria for teapot-making and is to one's liking in terms of shape and clay, it is suitable. For collectors, should fully handmade teapots be preferred?
Generally, experienced collectors understand the true essence of purple clay teapots. At this level, both collectors and makers recognize that the distinction between half-handmade and fully handmade is less important than the quality of the finished product.
If a half-handmade teapot incorporates unique artistic expression, is beautifully shaped, harmonious, and imbued with auspicious symbolism, not only does the teapot have collectible value, but its mold does too.
Approximate Steps for Fully Handmade Teapots
Then comes fine-tuning.
The value of a Purple Clay Teapot lies in whether it exudes ample spirit and vitality, if the shape is well-proportioned and harmonious, the clay is good, and the craftsmanship is meticulous. Therefore, as long as these standards are met, the teapot can be considered a fine one!