In previous articles, we've expressed some viewpoints: slipcast and wheel-thrown pots, in a strict sense, do not qualify as genuine purple clay Teapots.
This is because the most important characteristic of purple clay is its sandy texture and breathability, which fundamentally distinguishes it from other ceramics and glassware when used for brewing tea. Slipcast and wheel-thrown pots lack these properties, as they are made from slurries with over 200 mesh fineness and added glass water, losing the breathability that characterizes genuine purple clay teapots.
These two types are typical examples of fake purple clay, and yet many people still buy slipcast or wheel-thrown purple clay teapots today. The fundamental reason is that they have seen too little of the real clay.
Due to their high mesh fineness, slipcast and wheel-thrown pots have very smooth surfaces without any sandy texture. In contrast, the texture of original mine clay has noticeable granules, appearing rough but actually being smooth and warm.
Details of Original Mine Purple Clay
Let's take a look at some details of original mine clay today to appreciate authentic purple clay.
Texture Details of Gu Jingzhou's Lotus Seed Teapot with Cow Cover
Texture Details of Gu Jingzhou's Bamboo Drum Teapot
Texture Details of Gu Jingzhou's Ziyan Shi Piao Teapot
Texture Details of Gu Jingzhou's Level Teapot
Texture Details of Gu Jingzhou's Handuo Teapot
Texture Details of Dicao Qing (Bottom Groove Green) Clay
Additionally, you should note that the presence of iron, mica, and slight color variations in the clay are normal characteristics of authentic clay. It's important to understand these features correctly.
Granular Texture Details of Purple Clay
Details of Gold Segment Clay
High-quality original mine purple clay, after firing, shows a lustrous appearance, with a slightly glossy surface when viewed from afar. Upon closer inspection, the granular texture is obvious, feeling comfortable to the touch, especially after brewing and conditioning, which brings out a rich oiliness and beautiful patina.
Comparison of Dicao Qing Before and After Brewing and Conditioning
The original mine clay from Huanglong Mountain has an oily feel, which becomes stronger the deeper the clay is extracted. The shallow surface clay and deep well clay from Huanglong Mountain represent different concepts. Deep well clay is nourished by cold, clear groundwater over long periods, resulting in a more lustrous finish after brewing and conditioning, with rapid changes when exposed to water.
A Dozen-Yuan Green Clay Teapot
The quality of clay from mines outside Jiangsu Province, such as Xinhang in Anhui and Anji in Zhejiang, tends to be dry and less translucent. One of the most important points is that purple clay has a double-pore structure, with one type of pore formed between primary aggregates. The breathability of purple clay far surpasses that of ordinary clay from other provinces.
Cheap slipcast teapots and wheel-thrown teapots do not offer breathability! Although they may appear beautiful and flawless at first glance, with clean surfaces, they never develop a patina, just like Porcelain, and many are even colored with dyes!
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