The world of a teapot is vast, and the life of tea is long! Whether you're new to the world of purple clay teapots or an experienced aficionado, there are always questions that need answers! Here we have collected some frequently asked questions from enthusiasts and provided detailed answers.
1. Why does my new purple clay teapot have an unusual smell?
Answer: The reason why tea brewed in a purple clay teapot tastes particularly good is due to its unique double-pore structure, which can absorb the aroma of tea. Naturally, it can also absorb other odors.
A newly made purple clay teapot may have some earthy smell or a slight burnt odor, which are normal kiln-related scents.
2. Is purple clay exclusive to Yixing?
Answer: Purple clay is a unique mineral found in Yixing. In May 2006, Yixing purple clay was included in the first batch of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List. To date, no one has discovered anywhere else in the world with the same type of ore as Yixing's purple clay.
Clay from other mountains often contains a lot of sand and impurities.
Purple clay from other regions can be considered purple clay Pottery, but the finished products do not have the same level of breathability as those made from original Yixing purple clay ore.
3. Why do teapots made from the same clay have different colors after firing?
Answer: Purple clay taken from different mines and layers of rock will contain different proportions of minerals.
After high-temperature oxidation, the content of various oxides will differ. Even when fired at the same temperature, the resulting colors will vary.
4. I don't want to use the same teapot for just one type of tea. Is that okay?
Answer: Purple clay teapots have a strong ability to absorb the flavor of tea. If you brew different types of teas in it, the absorbed flavors will become mixed. As a result, when you use this teapot to brew any type of tea, the taste of the tea water will not be pure.
It is generally recommended that a single purple clay teapot should only be used for one type of tea. It's best not to mix different teas in the same teapot, such as brewing black tea one day, Tieguanyin the next, and green tea the day after that…
However, this is like not washing your Wok between stir-frying dishes, and since you eat the food yourself, it is your right and freedom.
5. Is it better for the particle size (mesh number) of purple clay to be larger or smaller?
40-mesh bottom groove green clay
Zoom in to see the sand-like texture, with speckles of gold.
Answer: There is no clear superiority based on the mesh number; it purely depends on personal preference. The higher the mesh number of purple clay, the smoother the feel. If you prefer a smooth texture, you can choose 80-mesh or above. If you prefer a more rustic and antique feel, you can opt for lower mesh numbers.
6. Why, after a month of daily use, has my purple clay teapot not developed a patina?
Answer: Good clay will develop a patina quickly. A teapot made from genuine original purple clay will definitely develop a patina, but developing a patina cannot be rushed. Nourishing a purple clay teapot takes time. After each use, it needs to be wiped clean, and it can take anywhere from a few months to half a year.
After developing a patina through regular use. Photo provided by a teapot enthusiast.
There is another possibility: the quality of the clay might not be very good, or the method of nourishing the teapot might be incorrect. However, most of the time, it is related to the quality of the clay. For a video tutorial on how to properly nourish a teapot, see 10 Years of Experience: How to Properly Nourish a Purple Clay Teapot?
7. Why shouldn't I wrap up my purple clay teapot when not in use?
Answer: Without proper ventilation, it can easily develop a musty smell and be difficult to store. It is generally recommended that when not in use, a purple clay teapot should be placed in a cool, well-ventilated area. Enthusiasts who have the space can also display their teapots on antique racks as decorative items.
8. If my hands are sweaty, can I still handle the purple clay teapot? Or do I need to wash my hands first?
Answer: It is best to wash your hands before handling the teapot. Purple clay teapots especially avoid overly oily hands, as they can cause discoloration that is difficult to remove.
9. What is the best way to season a new purple clay teapot?
10. Does a purple clay teapot drying faster mean that the clay is of higher quality? Is this true?
Answer: Using this method alone to determine the quality of the clay is incorrect. The speed of drying is also influenced by the shape of the teapot, the degree of firing, and the processing method.
Taking the Beauty teapot as an example, the surface of the teapot does not form a pool of water, so it dries relatively faster. Teapots with gentle curves, like the Antique style, allow water to flow off more slowly, thus drying slower.
11. Why do two purple clay teapots made from the same clay have such different textures?
Answer: Purple clay, as the name suggests, contains “sand,” which gives purple clay teapots their unique texture. The difference in texture refers to the intensity of the “sandiness,” which is related to the mesh number of the clay.
