Firstly, purple Clay Teapots are beautiful, with a variety of shapes—angular goods, plain goods, flowered goods, and so many more that they can be dazzling and overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to start.
Sometimes you like everything, but after a while, you might not like anything at all—it truly is a matter of personal taste.
Firstly, you should figure out what truly moves you and makes you feel the beauty.
This varies from person to person. For example, some may appreciate the beauty of lines, the grandeur of the design, or the elegance of simplicity.
This simplifies things considerably. By focusing on one aspect, you will find many beautiful objects and discover much joy. Gradually develop your interest, expanding from a single point to a broader perspective. Slowly improve your aesthetic sense, broaden your appreciation, and elevate your standards of evaluation.
When evaluating a teapot, you can consider the five main elements—”clay, shape, craftsmanship, engraving, and signature”—and the four major factors—”spirit, form, atmosphere, and attitude.” This can be a complex process, often leaving one feeling lost and disoriented. We should start by looking at the overall shape, assessing whether the overall lines are well-proportioned, much like how a person's posture—whether sitting, standing, or lying down—should have balanced lines. If certain features are disproportionate, such as a long neck, large head, or short legs, they won't blend well with the overall structure, diminishing the beauty.
Next, examine the details. Is the spout and handle connected in a natural and fluid manner? Many skilled potters showcase their mastery through the subtle details of their work. The spirit embodied in the teapot appears natural, almost as if crafted by nature itself. Observing trees, flowers, rocks, and other natural objects can provide insights. Consider both the whole and the parts together, which is the basic requirement for evaluating a teapot. Different shapes require different levels of understanding.
This requires collectors to continually enhance their cultural appreciation outside of teapots, constantly seeking deeper understanding. It is best to start with traditional shapes, examining works by renowned masters and handling high-quality pieces. Once you have a solid foundation, you need to define your own position, having a clear understanding of your economic situation, abilities, time, and lifestyle.
Economic capacity is most important. There must be a “limit” to any hobby, and playing with purple clay teapots is merely a pastime after Tea and meals, a pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. It should not interfere with other aspects of life. Some do it for fun, others for research, some for collecting and appreciation, others for Drinking Tea, some for competition, and others for speculation and appreciation… Regardless of the reason, the most important thing is to enjoy oneself, embodying the essence of “play,” discovering beauty and purity in purple clay teapots, and finding joy and peace of mind.