There are two types of people who play with teapots: those who like segment mud, and those who don't.

Those who don't like it may find that with a little carelessness, the segment mud can become dirty-looking, with some areas turning black. This instantly ruins their appreciation for it, and they regret ever buying a segment mud pot.

However, once a segment mud pot is properly cared for, its transformation is significant and exceptionally beautiful, evoking affection and a sense of achievement that is likely only understood by those who love segment mud.

Therefore, many Teapot enthusiasts have a love-hate relationship with segment mud.

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

Due to its light color, if not properly maintained, it easily accumulates noticeable stains. This results in a situation where those who like it, really like it, while those who don't, are completely indifferent.

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

In fact, segment mud is much the same—it remains there, regardless of whether you like it or not, neither rejoicing over external things nor being saddened by personal misfortunes. What determines the beauty of segment mud is not you but the segment mud itself.

How do you care for a segment mud pot?

A segment mud pot has a high sand content and thus takes longer to develop a patina. Its pore structure is larger than other clay types, making it particularly prone to absorbing the color of tea. This can lead to the pot developing uneven coloring, especially during the first one to two months when it's frequently rinsed with tea water.

Pots made from purple mud, red mud, and other darker clays can be watered with tea to enhance the patination effect, achieving a smooth and lustrous patina in a shorter time. However, since segment mud pots are lighter in color, pouring dark tea on them initially will result in uneven coloring.

From the perspective of the properties, color, and tea compatibility of purple clay, segment mud pots are suitable for brewing lighter teas such as White Tea and Green Tea. That said, ultimately, it's people who drink tea, and there's no need to settle for teas you don't enjoy just for the sake of maintaining your pot.

No matter the color of the tea, it's crucial to clean the pot promptly after each use, removing the tea leaves and washing the pot thoroughly.

The cleanliness of the pot has nothing to do with the type of tea brewed. The notion that segment mud is prone to discoloration is a misunderstanding. This is closely related to the habits of the person using the pot. If neglected, the pot will inevitably take on an unappealing color.

Segment mud has its unique characteristics. Officially speaking, its patina transformation is significant. Due to its rich colors, after a period of use and maintenance, the overall luster improves markedly. Just how beautiful is a segment mud pot with a developed patina? Only those who have nurtured one would know.

The most important aspect of caring for a segment mud pot is patience. Take it slow, nurturing it from the inside out, and the resulting pot will be the most pleasing to the eye and heartening to behold.