More and more people are interested in learning about and purchasing zisha Teapots these days. When choosing a Teapot, everyone hopes to buy a good one. So, how do you determine the quality of a zisha teapot? Here's how to identify it!

Clay Identification Method

Avoid zisha teapots that appear strikingly bright and shiny at first glance.

▲ High-temperature Dicao Qing Jingzhou Shipiáo

Reason: Zisha teapots made from original clay do not have bright colors, nor are they glossy. Good clay produces a fine water color after firing, but it will never shine.

Select teapots with rich sandiness, visible iron, and mica.

Reason: Sandiness is the most apparent feature of clay. Even the smooth and glossy Zhuni has sandiness. Be cautious if it's overly glossy.

Zisha original clay inherently contains abundant mica and iron minerals. This is evident in the firing process. Acid-washed clay lacks iron content and appears dull.

Workmanship Identification Method

Pay attention to the details for round, square, and ribbed teapots.

Reason: The most important aspect of a round teapot is its fullness and roundness; the body should not be concave or uneven. The same applies to square and ribbed teapots. Concave sides indicate poor workmanship.

For square and ribbed teapots, check the straightness and continuity of the lines. They should not be crooked. While square teapots can have curves, they must not be crooked lines. This would also indicate poor workmanship.

The spout, handle, foot, lid knob, and other components should be carefully inspected if they have been invisibly joined.

Reason: Invisible joining involves attaching the parts to the body with tail clay, creating a seamless appearance. These areas need to be evenly filled with clay and properly aligned. Any deviation indicates a lack of attention to detail.

Moreover, if a triangular-shaped teapot like the Ziyi doesn't have a symmetrical triangular foot, it suggests rough workmanship and carelessness.

Practical Identification Method

The spout should pour smoothly and freely.

Reason: Ultimately, a zisha teapot is used for brewing Tea, so the spout must pour well. This is the most crucial point, regardless of the shape.

The handle should be comfortable to hold.

Reason: If the handle is uncomfortable to grip, too small, or awkward to hold, this can serve as a basis for your practical selection criteria.

The lid knob should be easy to grasp.

Reason: The lid knob or lid is often lifted when brewing tea, so it needs to be easy to grip. Otherwise, it might slip and fall.

These three methods are very practical for novice teapot enthusiasts. If you're experiencing these issues, you can refer to them.