Regarding the appreciation of purple clay Teapots, we have covered much in previous articles, primarily focusing on three aspects: the clay, the shape, and the craftsmanship. Among these, the quality of the clay is paramount, being the primary concern for enthusiasts when purchasing a purple clay Teapot.

However, in today's market, there are many “fake” purple clay teapots, often produced through slip casting or by using molds. Here, we will discuss simple methods to determine if the clay used in a teapot is genuine purple clay. Let's dive in.

Examine the Color of the Clay

This is quite straightforward — simply observe the color of the Purple Clay Teapot. In recent articles, we detailed the natural colors of authentic purple clay teapots and compared them with some so-called “rare” clays. You can refer to those for a comparison.

▲ Original Purple Clay Color

Authentic purple clay, after firing, tends to look rather “earthy” and does not exhibit bright, vivid colors (even red clay and golden yellow aren't excessively bright). Only after proper seasoning does the color deepen, becoming darker and more lustrous, a process known as patination.

▲ Colorful Purple Clay Teapots

Therefore, if you see new teapots that are brightly colored, they may be made from clay mixed with chemical additives to achieve such hues. This raises questions about the purity of the clay, which is the first point to consider when evaluating the clay.

Note: This method is most suitable for beginners. More experienced collectors who understand the blending and addition of original clays may have different insights, as the range of blended purple clay is extensive.

Feel the Surface of the Teapot

The term “purple clay” itself highlights the importance of sand, which distinguishes it from other ceramics. The presence of sand is fundamental to the breathability of purple clay teapots. Sand refers to the granular texture formed by the aggregation of minerals like quartz, and the surface of a fired purple clay teapot is never smooth.

▲ Touch the Surface

Teapots made from authentic clay appear slightly rough but do not feel abrasive to the touch. After smoothing with a polishing tool, the sand particles are embedded within the glaze, giving a tactile sensation of granularity while maintaining a smooth feel.

▲ Rough Yet Smooth

The surface should never feel excessively smooth. If it does, it could be a slip-cast or wheel-thrown teapot, as these tend to use very fine clay (200 mesh or finer), resulting in a surface with almost no sandiness.

▲ Lustrous Red Clay

Even if the clay is very fine (200 mesh or finer), it cannot be handcrafted into a teapot. Red clay, despite its luster, still retains a certain degree of sandiness, making it distinguishable from slip-cast or wheel-thrown teapots.

▲ Sandiness of Red Clay

Note: For teapots with polished surfaces, you can feel and examine the inner walls.

Sense the Smell

Most teapots made from authentic clay have no distinct smell; a few might have a slight earthy or kiln odor. After a few infusions with Tea, any unusual odors should dissipate.

▲ Smell Inside the Teapot

Some fake purple clay teapots, containing chemical additives, may emit a pungent odor when exposed to boiling water. Authentic, pure clay will not produce such an odor, a point worth noting.

Inspect the Sandiness

This criterion is more advanced and applies to pure, mountain-sourced purple clay. It is useful only for those with a deeper understanding of purple clay teapots. We mentioned earlier the sandiness of the clay, which is visible on the surface of the teapot.

▲ High-Temperature Greenish-Brown Clay

On the surface of pure clay, the sand is evenly distributed. However, if the teapot has been sprayed with glaze, the sand on the surface appears uneven and discontinuous.

▲ Greenish-Brown Clay: Note Sandiness

Some clays undergo additional processes, such as sand blending, making it harder to assess the sandiness. Only through repeated observation and experience can one develop the ability to discern between them.