When purchasing a purple Clay pot, enthusiasts usually fear two things the most: first, buying a fake purple clay pot, and second, buying one made with chemical additives. So how do you choose a good purple clay pot?
Look at the Texture
Pure purple clay pots have a restrained luster, a texture like warm jade, a stable color, and an aged appearance. With high-quality clay, you can see the effects of use within half a month.
Pots made from clay with chemical additives show little change no matter how much they are used; they remain dry. Although they can create a so-called mung bean paste effect, the surface glaze (due to the addition of wood shaving water, also known as quartz water) prevents the Tea water from being absorbed, and oils from handling cannot penetrate the surface. Thus, such pots will not develop a patina.
Check the Water Absorption
Genuine purple clay pots, except for red clay and some dun clay varieties, generally have strong water absorption properties. This is why it's often said that tea brewed in a purple clay pot tastes better than in other types of Teapots. Pots made from clay with chemical additives typically lack water absorption capabilities; when water is poured on the body of the pot, it runs off rather than being absorbed.
A simple test is to touch the pot. A genuine purple clay pot will quickly absorb hand sweat, while a pot made with chemical additives will not.
Smell the Pot
An unused purple clay pot, when hot water is poured over it, usually has little smell or only the scent of clay. Pots made with chemical additives may emit a pungent odor or a peculiar fragrance when hot water is poured over them, and the water stains on the surface are difficult for the pot to absorb.
Inspect the Patina
A purple clay pot, after a period of use, develops a patina. Pots made with chemical additives, no matter how well used, will mostly accumulate tea stains but rarely develop a patina.
Examine the Craftsmanship
Modern manufacturing processes are standardized and highly efficient, producing perfectly symmetrical and finely crafted pots, which many beginners love. Handmade pots, however, are created without molds, relying solely on the artisan's skill and experience. They are made according to the maker's preferences and requirements.
Therefore, even if the shape and specifications are uniform, there will be differences in the body shape, mouth diameter, and the position, thickness, and height of the spout and handle. There won't be any two identical looking and sized pots. Pure purple clay is rare and valuable, making large-scale mechanized or mold-based mass production impossible due to the limited amount of clay available.
Thus, distinguishing between traditional and modern craftsmanship is another aspect in determining the quality of the clay.
Editor: Xiong Er, Cha Bubble Network