Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a Teapot and believe that simply placing it in a clean spot after purchase is sufficient. Thus, they often place the teapot in a display cabinet or pack it into a box, considering their task complete.
Such a method of storing teapots is highly inadvisable.
Newly purchased teapots should be carefully nurtured during Tea brewing sessions before being stored.
Using a teapot skillfully is actually the best form of maintenance, although this may not apply to rare purple clay artifacts.
Tang Yun, a prominent contemporary collector of purple clay, liked to use his “Man Sheng” teapots in rotation for brewing tea just like ordinary teapots.
He once said, “I don't want to use antiques as mere decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it.”
Some guests would feel awkward when he served them tea brewed in such precious teapots.
Mr. Tang would laugh and say, “These are merely external possessions; they should be used frequently. Only through frequent use can they become part of one's inner self, achieving a state where both the object and oneself are forgotten. Most people do not understand this.”
Preserving purple clay teapots is important, but proper care is also essential to prevent damage.
Brewing tea is the best way to nurture your teapot.
In summary, the “correct methods” for nurturing a teapot through tea brewing include:
① Thoroughly Cleaning both the inside and outside of the teapot.
② Avoiding contact with oil.
③ Actually brewing tea in the teapot.
④ Wiping and brushing the teapot moderately.
⑤ Cleaning and air-Drying the teapot after use.
When using the “brewing tea to nurture the teapot” method, there are two points to particularly note:
Firstly, some people like to use a thin string to connect the lid and handle of a purple clay teapot while using it. However, this practice can actually damage the lid. If the string breaks or the knot comes loose, the lid could shatter.
Secondly, when washing a purple clay teapot, never make the mistake of shaking it to remove water droplets. This could result in the teapot colliding with the faucet and getting damaged.
A purple clay teapot, through prolonged use and nurturing, transforms into a lustrous, smooth, and full-bodied vessel. It reveals its true beauty in terms of shape, material, and craftsmanship, much like lifting the veil from a mysterious face to reveal its perfect form, material quality, and craftsmanship.