One, pouring tea over the pot. When brewing tea, some pour tea juice over the pot, believing that this allows the pot to absorb more nutrients, and they neither wipe nor scrub it. Over time, the pot is covered with a layer of tea scale, making its surface unsightly and dark.
Two, dry wiping. While brewing tea, take advantage of the pot's heat to pour tea juice over it, and after pouring out the tea juice, use a dry towel to wipe it back and forth. Pots nurtured this way become shiny relatively quickly, but once they are polished, they are most afraid of human sweat and moisture. If the pot comes into contact with either, the luster easily fades, leading to uneven shine on the pot's surface.
Three, wet wiping. When the pot is hot, use a towel dipped in tea water to wipe the pot, continuously rubbing it. This method is akin to polishing shoes, applying layers of tea juice onto the pot. Once it shines, if unused for more than six months, the luster gradually fades.
Four, frequent brushing. Pour tea water over the pot while it's hot, taking advantage of its absorption, and frequently brush it with a brush or small brush, evenly spreading the tea juice over the pot. It's like shining shoes, creating a false shine.
The Essentials of Preparing a New purple Clay Teapot
According to the master, a new purple clay teapot has a strong “fire” and “earth” smell if unused, so it needs to be “prepared” to remove these odors. The preparation method is simple: boil the pot in water. First, place the pot and lid separately in cold water, add some tea leaves, and simmer over a gentle flame until boiling. Boil for several dozen minutes, turn off the heat, and wait for it to cool naturally. Then take it out, wipe the pot clean with a soft cotton cloth, let it dry, and it can then be used.
The master says not to haphazardly add tea when boiling the pot, as one pot is best suited for one type of tea. Therefore, choose appropriate tea leaves for the preparation process.
“Nourishing a pot is a long process that requires patience and time,” the master says. Fine purple clay pots need high-quality tea to nourish them, such as Taiwanese high mountain oolong Oolong Tea, Fujian Anxi oolong tea, Tie Guan Yin, and black tea. It is best not to use scented tea because it is too fragrant, and it is best to use mountain spring water or mineral water for brewing.
When brewing tea, rinse the pot with hot water first before adding water. Then use a cotton cloth to wipe the water stains off the pot to avoid affecting the pot's appearance over time. Always keep the pot clean, especially avoiding contact with oil, ensuring the pot's structure remains permeable. When not in use, rinse the pot with clear water, let it dry, and set it aside, giving the pot a “break.”
“A pot that has been brewed and cared for will have a human touch, appearing soft and delicate,” the master says. After being brewed and cared for, a purple clay pot contains the five elements of “metal, wood, water, fire, and earth,” appearing round and lustrous, emitting an inwardly restrained glossy sheen. With continuous polishing, it will have the smooth and supple texture of a baby's skin.
The master emphasizes the practicality of the pot. In her view, the purple clay pot is a traditional craft closest to ordinary people, perfectly combining Chinese Tea culture with purple clay culture. If its practical function is weakened, the inheritance of purple clay pot craftsmanship will face difficulties.
“Nourishing a pot is a very important matter that cannot be rushed or done superficially,” the master says. First, you need patience. The accumulation of days and months will be reflected in the pot's appearance; how much tea and water the pot “eats” determines its value, which is not achieved overnight. Second, one must be calm and composed. If collectors always think about the potential profit from their pots, they won't be able to care for them properly. “Value is obtained inadvertently,” the master emphasizes. Even the most valuable pots require care; neglecting them can affect their quality. Just like old collectors, they don't neglect any pot on their shelves, nor do they overwork any pot on their desks.
The master believes that the reason why purple clay pots have endured for thousands of years without decline and continue to be innovatively inherited today is that they encompass China's profound traditional culture. In this culture, people experience a sense of breadth and realm.