purple clay Teapots need to be nurtured, and the more they are cared for, the smoother and more lustrous they become with a rich, understated sheen. This is what many Teapot enthusiasts or newcomers to the hobby hope to achieve. Over time, the gradual infusion of tea juices, the continuous handling, dust, sweat, and even the prolonged rubbing of clothes and skin, along with the gentle caress of airborne particles, accumulate layer upon layer. They seep into the teapot, gradually forming a “weathered” sheen on its surface, which is known as “patina.” It's similar to the oil-brightened appearance that a yoke would develop from long-term use in our childhood homes.
This “weathered” appearance exudes a warm, reserved glow, much like the scholarly refinement of a Confucian scholar, quietly nourishing everything around it. It is not an ostentatious brightness nor the “falsified luster” of fake teapots but rather a luminous quality imbued with spirit through prolonged contact with the human body.
Patina is a term used in the antiques trade, not just applicable to purple clay teapots. Items such as Porcelain, wooden objects, jade, bronze, and even thin paper artifacts like paintings and calligraphy can develop patina after being weathered by the passage of time. Industry insiders are well aware of this phenomenon.
The process of developing patina in a purple clay teapot involves the passage of time and the emotional investment of the owner. One can imagine that as a teapot enthusiast sips their tea, they gently caress their cherished teapot, relaxing both body and mind while growing increasingly fond of it.
Over time, a spiritual realm of “nourishing the pot and being nourished by it” forms. The “nourishment of the pot” involves the teapot absorbing the emotions and spirit of its owner, even traits like wisdom, generosity, decisiveness, and individuality. This is why different people can develop unique patinas on their teapots, influenced not only by their methods but also by the singular emotions they project onto them.
“Nourishment by the pot” involves daily handling, which aligns well with traditional Chinese hand therapy. Our hands are connected to various organs within our bodies. Rubbing, stroking, pinching, pressing, and tapping the teapot each day also stimulates acupuncture points, providing a physical massage in addition to the health benefits of Drinking Tea. This dual approach is truly delightful!
Developing patina requires the correct methods. Many people have been nurturing their teapots for a long time without seeing significant results. Directly pouring tea over the surface of the teapot without wiping it off is incorrect, as it will eventually lead to a buildup of tea stains that spoil the teapot's appearance. Instead, one should use a clean, specialized cloth to polish the teapot's surface. When handling the teapot, it's important to keep your hands clean and free of sweat to avoid directly rubbing it with sweaty hands.
Nurturing a teapot should never be rushed; it's akin to the philosophy of drinking tea, where the focus should be on enjoying the process. With appropriate methods, you're sure to achieve a patina better than you could have imagined.