The “Cultural Revolution Teapot” refers to the Teapots produced by Yixing Purple Clay Craft Factory during the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976. This is unique in the history of Purple Clay Teapot development and clearly has a certain value for collection.
Most imitations of “famous artists' Cultural Revolution purple clay teapots” are made based on imagination, usually with impure clay, crude craftsmanship, and unauthentic patina; especially some imitations of “famous artists' Cultural Revolution teapots” use styles not produced during the Cultural Revolution period but have the seal of contemporary famous artists inside the lid and the square seal of “China Yixing” on the bottom, making them easy to authenticate for antique collectors. Later, finely crafted imitations of “famous artists' Cultural Revolution teapots” appeared, with accurate shapes and good craftsmanship, which are more difficult to identify.
To collect the “Cultural Revolution tennis ball teapot,” one should open the lid and, using bright light, look into the teapot through the spout to check the “tennis ball.” If it is found that the Tea leaf holes are double-layered, one should be alert as this is most likely a fake “tennis ball teapot.”
In summary, when authenticating a “Cultural Revolution teapot,” one should consider aspects such as the clay material, shape, craftsmanship, seal, and patina. If there is any doubt about any of these aspects, the item should not be collected.