There are two types of Teapot enthusiasts: those who like segment mud, and those who do not.

Those who do not like it may find that with just a little neglect, their teapot can become quite dirty, even turning black in some areas. This instantly ruins any fondness they might have had for it, leaving them regretting their decision to purchase a segment mud teapot.

However, once a segment mud teapot has been properly nurtured, its transformation is significant and exceptionally beautiful. The sense of beauty and accomplishment is immediate, and this is something only those who truly appreciate segment mud can understand.

As such, many teapot enthusiasts have mixed feelings about segment mud.

Segment mud is essentially a coexisting ore of green mud and purple mud. In the local dialect of Yixing, “segment” sounds similar to “group,” so it is also known as group mud.

Its light color means that if not cared for properly, it can easily show obvious stains. This leads to a situation where those who like it, really like it, while those who don't, feel completely indifferent.

Cangyang Jiacuo wrote in “Whether You See Me or Not”: “You see, or you do not see me, I am there, neither sad nor happy.”

The same is true for segment mud; whether you like it or not, it remains as it is, unaffected by external preferences or personal emotions. What determines the beauty of segment mud is not you, but the mud itself.

How to Nourish a Segment Mud Teapot?

A segment mud teapot has a high sand content, which means it takes longer to develop a patina. Its pore structure is larger than other types of clay, making it particularly susceptible to absorbing the color of Tea. This can result in uneven coloring, especially during the first one to two months of use when the teapot is frequently rinsed with tea.

Teapots made from darker clays like purple and red can be watered with tea to enhance their patina, achieving a smooth finish in a relatively short period. However, because a segment mud teapot is lighter in color, pouring dark tea over it early on will cause uneven coloring, resulting in an unsightly appearance.

Considering the properties of the clay, its color, and its suitability for different teas, a segment mud teapot is best suited for brewing lighter teas like white and Green Tea. While this is true, ultimately, it's people who drink tea, and one should not compromise on drinking teas they do not enjoy just to care for their teapot.

Regardless of the color of the tea, it's important to clean the teapot promptly after each use, removing the used leaves and thoroughly rinsing the inside.

The cleanliness of a teapot is not necessarily related to the type of tea used. Claims that segment mud easily turns black are a misunderstanding. This issue is largely dependent on the habits of the teapot user. If neglected, the teapot will inevitably display unappealing colors.

Segment mud has its own unique characteristics. Officially speaking, it undergoes a significant change when nurtured. Due to its rich color, after a period of use and care, the overall luster improves markedly. How beautiful is a segment mud teapot with a developed patina? Only those who have nurtured one would know.

Nourishing a segment mud teapot requires patience above all else. It's a process that should be approached gradually, both inside and out. A teapot nurtured in this way is the most pleasing to the eye and brings the greatest joy.