Some enthusiasts have been buying and using purple clay Teapots for years, yet they still have a rudimentary understanding of certain aspects of purple clay knowledge and are often misled by false statements.

We frequently receive messages from enthusiasts in our backend with various questions, hoping to exchange ideas and get answers. Today, we will list some of the questions enthusiasts have and provide clear answers!
1. Why does a purple clay Teapot have an earthy smell?

Answer: The material used to make a Purple Clay Teapot is purple clay ore, but it is essentially a type of mud. Naturally, it has the smell that mud should have.

▲Steps in making a teapot

2. Is the best purple clay material Dicao Qing (Bottom Trough Qing)?

Answer: There are many varieties of purple clay materials, each with its own characteristics, and it can be said that they all have their strengths and weaknesses. It cannot be definitively stated that one variety of material is better than others.

3. Even if the same material is used, why do the colors of the finished teapots vary?

Answer: Raw materials of purple clay are very sensitive to temperature. When fired at different kiln temperatures, different colors will appear, but the general tone cannot change. For example, purple clay cannot turn into red clay. This principle is caused by differing degrees of oxidation, resulting in different colors.

▲Different firing temperatures result in different colors

4. Can tapping on a purple clay teapot determine its quality?

Answer: Many enthusiasts of playing with purple clay teapots have a bad habit of hitting the lid against the body of the teapot when they see any teapot, asking for reasons, they all want to hear how loud and crisp the sound is.

While this method can simply judge the vitrification degree of a purple clay teapot, it has no real meaning for many enthusiasts. A teapot's quality cannot be determined by knocking sounds; these are misleading. Different types of purple clay and different firing temperatures produce different sounds, and the sound before and after brewing Tea also varies. Terracotta can also produce a sound like purple clay. What matters most is the “clay, shape, craftsmanship, signature, and function,” not the sound.

5. Does seasoning a new teapot require tofu and sugarcane?

Answer: Some enthusiasts believe that the main purpose of using sugarcane is its fresh and sweet aroma, which can nourish the purple clay teapot. Other enthusiasts think: “Tofu can absorb the earthy taste of the teapot and remove kiln dust.”

However, this is not actually the case. Purple clay teapots have the ability to absorb flavors, so cooking food with them would clog the teapot's pores with sugars and starches.

6. Does a teapot dribble water when pouring because of poor craftsmanship?

Answer: Smooth and clean water flow is what many buyers seek. However, there is a misunderstanding about what “clean water flow” means.

Clean water flow refers to stopping the flow of water immediately by covering the air hole, which is called “clean water flow.” It does not mean that water drips from the spout while pouring. Whether or not a teapot drips when pouring depends on the shape, length, opening, and position of the spout. It cannot be generalized.

7. To achieve a beautiful patina, must you use expensive tea for brewing?

Answer: A good patina does not necessarily require expensive tea. This is closely related to the type of tea and the method of maintenance. Inexpensive teas can also develop a beautiful patina.

8. Why can only one type of tea be brewed in a purple clay teapot? Isn't it okay to brew different teas every day?

Answer: Because purple clay has strong absorptive properties, it retains the aroma of the tea brewed in it. If you switch teas, the flavors may mix easily.

9. Does a purple clay teapot made by an artist with a professional title always command a higher price than one without a title?

Answer: In most cases, this is true, but not absolutely. Many pottery artists do not pursue titles, yet their works are highly sought after and hold significant influence within the industry. Specific situations need specific analysis, taking into account factors such as the clay, shape, function, and signature of the purple clay teapot.

10. Why are some teapots made by untitled artists priced high and hard to obtain?

Answer: If the craftsmanship is excellent and the material is good, those who understand teapots naturally pursue such teapots. If many people agree with this, and the number of teapots made is limited, then the price tends to be high, and it becomes difficult to obtain one.

11. Is a fully handmade teapot always better than a semi-handmade one?

Answer: Teapots are generally handmade, but they can be divided into fully handmade and semi-handmade. Being fully or semi-handmade is not particularly important; it just means different methods of forming, which does not affect value or usability. Multiple factors should be considered when evaluating the value of a teapot.

12. What is Jiangpo (Slope Lowering) clay?

Answer: Jiangpo clay refers to the purple clay discovered during the construction of Tao Du Road in Dingshu Town, Yixing, in the early 1990s, when excavating between Huanglong Mountain and Qilong Mountain. As it was primarily found during the process of reducing the steep slope of this section, it is commonly known as “Jiangpo clay.”

Purple clay teapots made from “Jiangpo clay” exhibit a reddish hue with a golden tinge, have a lustrous and moisturizing surface, a vibrant color, and a glossy appearance akin to “gold-sprinkled glaze.” They have a rich texture, with gold specks appearing faintly, resembling stars twinkling in the Milky Way, creating a stunning sight.

▲Liu Yitang – Huang Jiangpo Clay Shibo Teapot

13. When purchasing a teapot, should the practicality of the purple clay teapot be prioritized over its aesthetic appeal, or vice versa?

Answer: There is no definitive answer to this question; you can choose according to your actual needs. If you only want to brew tea, prioritize practicality. If you also want to appreciate its appearance, consider its aesthetics. Note that a teapot is first and foremost a functional item and also a collectible, ideally combining both functions.

14. What is the “mesh size” of purple clay materials? Are larger or smaller mesh sizes better for purple clay teapot materials?

Answer: The “mesh size” is an indicator to evaluate the coarseness or fineness of purple clay materials, unrelated to quality.

Generally speaking, using 60 mesh as a benchmark, below 60 mesh is considered coarse, and above 60 mesh is considered fine.