Da Hongpao clay is the pinnacle of purple clay materials, rare and precious, truly a chance encounter. However, the Da Hongpao clay of old times differs from what we commonly refer to as Da Hongpao clay today.
What is Da Hongpao?
In ancient times, Da Hongpao clay was dark red in its original state and was the top-quality material among the large red clays;
The Da Hongpao clay referred to today has a yellow original state and is the top-quality material among the Zhu (vermilion) clays. (From the perspective of their original states, Shi Hong (stone red), Shi Huang (stone yellow), and Da Hongpao, though different in color, all turn red after firing and belong to the red clay category.)
▲ Original stone of the Da Hongpao referred to in ancient times
▲ Original stone of Huanglong Mountain Da Hong clay
▲ The Da Hongpao commonly referred to today
The Da Hongpao clay of old times is now virtually extinct and very difficult to come by, with its rarity and value self-evident; the top-quality Da Hongpao clay among Zhu clays that we see today is the essence of Zhu clays and is equally rare and valuable.
After firing, they are both the most brilliant and vibrant red in purple clay, bright and eye-catching. This lustrous crimson is the color that flows through the millennia of Chinese cultural veins, the color closest to the hearts of the Chinese people.
▲ Da Hongpao (ancient) Qing Qianlong Reed Goose Pattern Hexagonal Tea Canister
Characteristics of Da Hongpao Clay
Da Hongpao clay is scarce, difficult to shape, and has a high rate of failure, with a shrinkage ratio almost three times that of the zini (purple clay) series. It is challenging to handle the clay properties during production. The kiln temperature is approximately 1080 degrees Celsius, with a shrinkage ratio of about 30%, making it difficult to fire. Small pieces have a success rate of only around 60% at best, while medium to large Zisha Teapots are extremely rare. It is not uncommon to see all three teapots crack in one kiln firing, causing one to lament and feel great regret.
Da Hongpao clay is fine and smooth, with a texture that becomes dense and finely detailed after firing, displaying a vivid and beautiful red, making it the best among clays. When hot water is poured over it, it instantly showcases its tender and fresh red characteristics, mysterious and enchanting.
Da Hongpao clay easily develops a beautiful patina through use, and with long-term care and use, it becomes warm and rich with depth and layered changes, developing a texture like pearls or jade, a sight to behold.
Teapots made from Da Hongpao clay are best used after warming them up first due to their high affinity for tea. They produce a full-bodied and harmonious flavor when brewing tea, with a smooth and rich mouthfeel. They are suitable for brewing teas with distinctive aromas, such as Oolong Tea, Tieguanyin, and rock teas, with a wide range of tea compatibility.
The Da Hongpao clay of old times has nearly become a legendary material, and even today's Da Hongpao is scarce. This shade of China Red on purple clay, dignified yet not lacking in vibrancy, captivates those who love teapots.
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