When seasoned Teapot enthusiasts examine a pot,

they always pay particular attention to the base of the Purple Clay Teapot.

What is so important about the base?

Why can experts determine the quality of the pot just by looking at its base?

The base hides a lot of unknown information.

Hence, when examining a teapot, one must look at its base!

Teapots made by Dabin feature inscriptions left by bamboo knives when wet, while those from the Mansheng era often have abandoned marks or seals. Nowadays, seals and inscriptions are added to the base, and sometimes even poems that harmonize with the spirit of the pot. The importance of the base has become increasingly prominent. Today, we will unveil the secrets hidden in the base of a teapot!

Types of Teapot Bases

Teapot bases come in square and round shapes, concave, convex, and flat forms, as well as ring feet and footrings, and ribbed or stump-shaped bases. They can be generally classified into plain bottoms, pressed bottoms, added bottoms (ring feet), and stud feet. There are also two methods of joining: visible joints and concealed joints. Straight, angular pots are typically joined visibly, while round, elegant shapes use concealed joints.

(1) Flat Bottom: The bottom is plain without any additional processing. Since it does not need to support large amounts of Tea water, this type is usually found on smaller pots, such as the “water level” style.

(2) Added Bottom: A ring foot is added during the shaping of the body and attached using clay slip. This method is also known as “digging the foot.” The addition of a ring foot should be determined by the overall shape of the pot.

(3) Pressed Bottom: “Pressed” shares the same meaning as “pressed down.” This method saves time and labor. Using a finger or a mold, the bottom of round pots is pressed down for a neat and efficient finish, making the design simple yet agile, as seen in spherical pots like the “single bead” or “loquat.”

(4) Stud Feet: Inspired by the feet of bronze tripods, stud feet support the pot stably without being cumbersome, giving it an ethereal appearance. The size and height of the studs should be proportionate to the pot's overall shape.

Rules for Teapot Bases

Over centuries, countless purple clay artisans have experimented and refined their techniques. As a result, certain classic teapot designs have established rules regarding which types of bases they should have.

For example, Shibo teapots typically have three feet, while Chuanlu teapots have four feet. Jinglan teapots commonly have added ring feet, and Line Round teapots often have pressed bottoms. Gongchun teapots usually have irregularly concave bases, while Pumpkin teapots feature ribs converging at the navel of the gourd.

When using a teapot, use a teapot care tool to avoid stubborn water stains and tea rust on the base; when displaying the pot, opt for a wooden stand; when lifting, don't squat down with tall or large teapots; and be careful not to rub the ribbed or floral bases against hard surfaces.

The base of a purple clay teapot should match the overall design seamlessly and enhance the spirit of the entire piece. The various styles of teapot bases are not randomly chosen but should complement the entire teapot. Sometimes, a well-designed base can be the finishing touch that elevates the teapot's appeal!