When selecting a Purple Clay Teapot, enthusiasts usually fear two things the most: first, buying a fake purple clay Teapot, and second, purchasing one made with chemical additives. So, how should you choose a good purple clay teapot?

Look at the Texture

Teapots made from original purple clay have a restrained luster, a texture akin to jade, a stable color, and an aged appearance. With high-quality clay, you can see noticeable changes within ten days to half a month of use.

Chemical clay teapots show little change no matter how much they are cared for and remain dry and lifeless. Although they can mimic the so-called “mung bean paste” effect, the surface gloss (due to the addition of wood ash water, also known as quartz water) prevents the absorption of Tea or the oils from handling, making it impossible to develop a patina on such teapots.

Check the Water Absorption

Authentic purple clay teapots, except for those made from red clay and some types of duan clay, generally have strong water absorption capabilities. This is why it is often said that tea tastes better when brewed in a purple clay teapot compared to other types. Chemical clay teapots, however, typically do not absorb water; instead, water simply runs off the surface without being absorbed by the body of the teapot.

A simple test is to touch the teapot. Most genuine purple clay teapots will quickly absorb hand sweat, whereas chemical clay teapots cannot absorb moisture.

Smell the Aroma

An unused purple clay teapot, when poured over with boiling water, generally has no smell or only the scent of Pottery. Chemical clay teapots, when doused with boiling water, may emit a pungent odor or an unusual fragrance, and the water stains on the surface of the pot are difficult to be absorbed by the body of the teapot.

Inspect the Patina

After a period of use, a purple clay teapot will develop a patina. Chemical clay teapots, regardless of how well they are cared for, will mostly accumulate tea stains rather than developing a patina.

Examine the Craftsmanship

Modern manufacturing techniques produce teapots that are uniform, precise, and highly efficient, which many beginners find appealing. Handcrafted teapots, however, lack a standardized mold and are created based on the artisan's skill, experience, and personal preferences.

Therefore, even teapots of the same shape and size will differ slightly in the shape of the body, the diameter of the mouth, and the position, thickness, and height of the spout and handle. Given the rarity and value of original purple clay, large-scale mechanized or mold-produced batches are virtually impossible due to the limited availability of clay material.

Hence, distinguishing between traditional and modern craftsmanship is another aspect to consider when evaluating the authenticity of the clay.

Editor: Xiong Er from Cha Bubble Network