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

Look at the Texture

Original purple clay, with a restrained luster, is as warm as jade, has a stable color, and appears aged. With good clay, you can see the results within ten days to half a month of use.

Chemical clay Teapots show little change no matter how well they are maintained. Although they can achieve the so-called mung bean sand effect, the surface glassiness (due to the addition of wood ash water, also known as quartz water) is too heavy. The Tea water cannot penetrate it, nor can the oils from handling seep in; therefore, such teapots cannot be nurtured.

Check the Water Absorption

A genuine purple clay teapot, except for red clay and some segment clays, generally has strong water absorption. 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, with water simply running off the body rather than being absorbed by it.

A simple method is to touch it; a regular purple clay teapot will quickly absorb hand sweat, whereas a chemical clay teapot will mostly fail to absorb the moisture.

Smell the Aroma

An unused purple clay teapot, when hot water is poured over it, usually has no smell or only the scent of Pottery. Chemical clay teapots, when hot water is poured over them, may emit a pungent odor or a special fragrance, and the water stains on the body are difficult for the pot to absorb.

Inspect the Patina

A purple clay teapot, after being steeped and cared for over time, develops a patina. Chemical clay teapots, regardless of how much they are steeped and cared for, will mostly leave behind tea stains, and the majority will not develop a patina.

Examine the Craftsmanship

Because modern manufacturing processes are standardized and highly efficient, the resulting teapots are perfectly symmetrical and finely crafted, appealing to many beginners. Handmade teapots, without a uniform mold, rely solely on the artisan's skill and experience, crafting according to their own requirements and preferences with confidence.

Therefore, teapots of the same shape and specifications will differ in the shape of the body, diameter of the mouth, and installation positions, thickness, and height of the spout and handle. There will be no completely identical appearance or specifications. Original purple clay is rare and valuable; it is impossible and there isn't enough clay material for large-scale mechanized or mold-based mass production.

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

Editor: Xiong Er from Chabobao Website