The red clay Teapot is known for its lustrous and graceful appearance, particularly in smaller sizes. It is regarded as an elegant lady from a distinguished family by collectors and is highly favored by enthusiasts.
Red Clay Companion Chrysanthemum Teapot
There are many different types of Teapots on the market today, all claiming to be made of red clay. Some have very bright colors while others are more subdued, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake ones.
What does a genuine “red clay” purple clay teapot look like?
What is Red Clay?
In Yixing's clay deposits, there is a type of ore called “tender clay,” which is found in mountainous areas around Dingshu Town. The red clay ore is located at the lowest layer of this tender clay deposit.
Raw Ochre Clay from Zhaozhuang and Firing Test Pieces
Later, based on differences in the original layers and degree of weathering, the red clay was classified into ochre clay, small red clay, and large red robe clay, among others. Ochre clay is considered the finest of the red clays and has a higher iron content than other purple clay materials.
False Red Clay Teapots
1. The teapot shown below is a vivid red and has a very flat color.
Although the surface appears shiny, it lacks a sense of moisture. This effect is achieved by adding iron oxide.
2. In the following two images, you can see that the clay has a regular wrinkling that doesn't appear natural for ochre clay. This wrinkling is usually artificially created.
Genuine Red Clay Teapots
1. The idea that “all ochre clay teapots wrinkle” is incorrect; not all ochre clay will wrinkle, and if the wrinkles are too obvious, it may indicate either fakery or poor craftsmanship.
Ochre Clay West Lake Maiden Teapot
2. Ochre clay shrinks by 4% during the shaping and Drying process and contracts by 18% after drying, making it the material with the highest shrinkage rate. Therefore, ochre clay is often used for smaller teapots.
3. The color of ochre clay is not necessarily red with a yellowish hue. Different sources and firing temperatures result in variations in the final color.
From left to right: Huanglong Mountain, Small Coal Kiln, and Zhaozhuang Ochre Clay
While beautiful, when purchasing an ochre clay teapot, one must be vigilant. The market is chaotic and complex, so beware of being deceived.