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

Look at the Texture

Original mine purple clay has a restrained luster, is as warm and smooth as jade, with a steady color and an aged appearance. When using high-quality clay, you can see the effects within half a month.

Chemical clay Teapots do not change much no matter how well they are cared for, remaining dry and lifeless. Although they can create the so-called mung bean sand effect, the surface glassiness (due to the addition of wood shaving water, also known as quartz water) prevents the Tea from being absorbed, and oils from handling cannot penetrate the surface. Therefore, such teapots will not develop a patina.

Check the Water Absorption

A genuine purple clay teapot, except for red clay and some types of duan clay, generally has strong water absorption properties. This is why it's often said that tea brewed in a purple clay teapot tastes better than in other types of teapots. Chemical clay teapots typically lack water absorption properties, and water poured on the body of the teapot simply runs off rather than being absorbed by the pot itself.

A simple test is to touch the teapot. A typical purple clay teapot will quickly absorb hand sweat, whereas a chemical clay teapot will not absorb water or sweat.

Smell the Aroma

An unused purple clay teapot, when rinsed with boiling water, generally has little to no smell or only the scent of clay. Chemical clay teapots, when rinsed with boiling water, may have a pungent smell or a peculiar 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

A purple clay teapot, after being used for a period, develops a patina on its surface. Chemical clay teapots, no matter how well they are used, will mostly leave only tea stains on the surface, and very few will develop a patina.

Examine the Craftsmanship

Modern manufacturing processes are standardized and highly efficient, resulting in teapots that are precisely made and pleasingly crafted, which many beginners find very appealing. Handmade teapots, however, do not use identical molds but instead rely on the artisan's skill and experience to create teapots according to their own requirements and preferences.

Therefore, even if the shape and specifications are uniform, there will be differences in the shape of the body, the diameter of the mouth, and the position, thickness, and height of the spout and handle. There will not be any teapots that are completely identical in appearance and specifications. Original mine purple clay is rare and valuable, and there is not enough material for large-scale mechanized or mold-based mass production.

Thus, distinguishing between traditional and modern craftsmanship is also an aspect to consider when judging the quality of the clay.

Editor: Xiong Er, Cha Paopao Network