Purple clay has a history spanning hundreds of years, with extensive and profound knowledge. Gaining a thorough understanding of the intricacies of purple clay is not something that can be achieved overnight. As purple clay becomes increasingly popular in the market, more and more people are interested in learning about it. However, when faced with the complex variety of purple clay products, we often have doubts about their authenticity. Understanding purple clay is a gradual process. The editor has compiled and summarized some common questions about purple clay to help you gain insight into its culture!
Why is the Yixing purple clay Teapot considered an excellent tool for brewing Tea, and what are its advantages?
Answer: Yixing purple clay has three distinct features: one first and two unique characteristics. First, it is unmatched in brewing tea, being recognized as the top tea utensil. Uniqueness refers to the exclusive nature of the clay itself. To date, only in Yixing has purple clay with a dual-pore structure been found worldwide, which gives Yixing Teapots the ability to improve water quality and become the best teapots. Another uniqueness lies in the exclusive pottery-making technique used only in Yixing, where clay sheets are joined and beaten into shape. This unique technique ensures that this special industry remains in Yixing and prevents the loss of raw materials. For these reasons, Yixing purple clay has been designated as a world intangible cultural heritage.
After checking the information, it's said that original mine Da Hong Pao is basically nonexistent. Why then do Da Hong Pao teapots still appear on the market? Is the clay authentic?
Answer: Some clays are relatively rare but not completely extinct. The government has issued a limited mining order, not a complete ban. Additionally, many artisans have been making purple clay products for generations and have been stockpiling clay at home. Therefore, the clay used by these artisans may indeed be genuine, making their purple clay creations even more valuable!
In the past, when identifying a good purple clay teapot, people would say that the spout, handle, and lid should form a straight line. Is this really true?
Answer: This needs to be determined based on the specific situation. For plain teapots, having the spout, handle, and lid aligned in a straight line is a basic requirement. However, for decorative teapots, this alignment is often difficult to achieve. Of course, determining whether a teapot is well-made cannot be based solely on this criterion. Other factors, such as the seal tightness and water flow, must also be considered. Therefore, it is not accurate to conclude that a teapot is well-made simply because these three elements align in a straight line.
In professional terminology related to purple clay, there are terms like “bright joint” and “hidden joint.” Could you explain specifically what “bright joint” and “hidden joint” mean?
Answer: “Bright joint” and “hidden joint” are professional terms used in the production of purple clay teapots, particularly when joining different parts. For example, when attaching the spout to the body of a purple clay teapot, if there is an obvious boundary, this method is called a “bright joint.” If there is no clear boundary and the spout appears to blend seamlessly with the body, this method is referred to as a “hidden joint.”
Does a well-made purple clay teapot necessarily have a clean water break and not drip?
Answer: It cannot be generalized. This statement needs to be analyzed in conjunction with the shape of the teapot. Taking the Shi Piao teapot as an example, since its spout is straight, it is impossible to have a clean water break due to the shape of the teapot, which determines that the Shi Piao will inevitably drip. Similarly, horizontal spouts will also drip. However, for curved spouts like the Fang Gu, if the water outlet and air holes are properly handled, it is possible to avoid dripping.
Why is it better for purple clay clay to undergo aging for a longer period of time?
Answer: The benefits of aging purple clay clay can be summarized in three points. Firstly, it increases the plasticity of the clay. Under the action of bacteria, organic matter in the clay decomposes, generating organic acids and increasing the content of humic substances. This reduces the acidity and alkalinity of the clay, improving its properties and enhancing its plasticity. Secondly, clay that has undergone longer aging produces teapots with better breathability after firing, which is beneficial for brewing tea. Thirdly, the clay changes faster during maintenance, increasing the enjoyment of playing with the teapot. Therefore, the longer the aging period of the purple clay clay, the better it is to use, which can improve the quality and yield of the finished product.
Why is it necessary to warm up a purple clay teapot before using it in winter?
Answer: This is because the ambient temperature is relatively low in winter, causing the teapot's body to be quite cool. If boiling water is directly poured into a cold purple clay teapot for brewing tea, there is a possibility of the teapot cracking. This scenario is also known as “shock breaking.” Especially for red clay, to prevent such “shock breaking,” it is recommended to warm the teapot before use in winter. Pour water around 40-50 degrees Celsius along the wall of the teapot, quickly circling both inside and outside until the teapot is filled with warm water. Cover the lid and pour warm water over it as well, allowing the warm water to preheat the teapot. Then, use this teapot for brewing tea. Be sure not to continuously pour boiling water onto a single point of the teapot. When the ambient temperature is very low, doing so can easily cause problems with the teapot.
The Yixing municipal government imposed a ban on mining in 2005. Where do all the genuine purple clay teapots on the market come from?
Answer: In order to utilize resources more reasonably and scientifically and protect the sustainable development of the purple clay industry, the Yixing government did indeed impose a ban on mining in 2005. However, mining resumed in 2010 and is now managed by the state, no longer allowing private individuals to mine at will. Before the ban, many factories and workshops had already stored a certain amount of purple clay soil, which is sufficient to meet current market demands.
What price range is suitable for beginners when starting to collect purple clay teapots?
Answer: When starting to collect teapots, it is advisable to begin with a more basic price range, around 500 to 600 yuan. Whether fully handmade or semi-handmade is not important. What matters most is that the capacity of the teapot meets your needs, the shape is one you like, and the clay is genuine purple clay. There is no need to be overly critical of the craftsmanship during the entry stage. At this stage, gaining experience is crucial.
Why is there such a significant difference in prices for purple clay teapots?
Answer: The price of a purple clay teapot is determined by various factors including craftsmanship, shape, charm, clay quality, and the reputation of the maker. Similar to buying clothes, where prices can range from dozens to hundreds to thousands of yuan, the differences lie in these several aspects. Good materials, skilled craftsmanship, stylish designs, and brand names are all essential factors. The same principles apply to purple clay teapots. Factors such as craftsmanship, material quality, design, artistic appeal, and the maker's reputation collectively determine the price of a teapot. Works by masters can sell for millions at auctions, transcending their practical value and becoming collectible art pieces with rich artistic value and aesthetic appeal.
Should the inner tea residue in a purple clay teapot be thoroughly cleaned after long-term use?
Answer: Generally speaking, it is important to clean a used purple clay teapot promptly. Wiping it during cleaning can also contribute to its maintenance. If too much tea residue is left or used improperly, it may lead to an unclean odor or a sour smell within the teapot. The tea residue may also contain a certain amount of bacteria, which is not hygienic for tea brewing.
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