Starting from the clay, define the standards for a good purple clay Teapot!
Often, some teapot enthusiasts ask: “Do you have good Teapots?” I usually respond by asking them: “What kind of teapot can be considered a good one?” Some say “teapots made by famous masters are good teapots,” while answers like “pure clay and reasonable price” are few and far between. It's no wonder, given the uneven knowledge about purple clay, there aren't many people who truly understand what it is. The question: “Do you have good teapots?” reveals their inner doubts and lack of confidence, indicating that they really don't know what makes a good Purple Clay Teapot.
For ordinary enthusiasts, buying a purple clay teapot not only serves to make Tea taste better but is also for the pleasure of nurturing it and its potential appreciation in value, hoping for a legendary outcome—becoming more beautiful and valuable over time. However, they often overlook important factors such as the quality of the clay, craftsmanship, the maker's reputation, and market availability.
In today's market flooded with fakes and mass-produced items, it's already difficult to find a pure purple clay teapot without harmful additives. Buying a teapot that can appreciate in value without much effort is even harder. Therefore, choosing trusted artisans and reliable platforms is crucial. Buying genuine and reasonably priced purple clay teapots for daily use seems more practical.
There are various standards for good teapots. Here are a few points for your reference:
1. Pure clay, average craftsmanship, practical, affordable price, suitable for beginners and ordinary enthusiasts.
2. Pure clay, good craftsmanship, meets practical needs and basic aesthetic requirements, moderate price, suitable for enthusiasts with some appreciation ability.
3. Pure and high-quality clay, excellent craftsmanship, meets practical needs and medium-level aesthetic requirements, high cost-performance, slightly higher price, suitable for enthusiasts with higher quality and aesthetic demands.
4. Pure and superior clay, top-notch craftsmanship, perfect combination of clay and workmanship, suitable for appreciation and value preservation, ideal for high-end enthusiasts with discerning tastes.
With these points in mind, many enthusiasts will understand the underlying principles. It's not as simple as the legend suggests where any teapot can be nurtured to appreciate in value. Ordinary commercial teapots with average craftsmanship or those made by famous artisans with average craftsmanship, no matter how well they're maintained, will have minimal room for appreciation.
Beyond true appreciation for collection purposes, a genuine purple clay teapot is simply a tool that enhances the flavor of tea, a practical utensil, and a piece of tea ware for personal enjoyment. The culture of purple clay is profound and extensive. Only through humble learning and exchange can we truly appreciate it. One must never be arrogant or isolate oneself in pursuit of knowledge.
Image Source: Chaowang Network