The festive season is upon us, and it's time to exchange gifts and good wishes. Many people choose purple clay Teapots as presents, as they are not only practical but also combine functionality, artistry, and collectibility, making them an excellent choice for gift-giving.

However, there are some important considerations when selecting a teapot as a gift. There are certain pitfalls to avoid, such as the three types of teapots listed below. Let's take a look!

01

Teapots with Extremely Unusual Shapes

Purple clay teapots come in a wide variety of shapes, including both classic and rare forms. However, this does not mean that the more unique the shape, the better. When choosing a teapot as a gift, there are specific criteria to consider.

Some merchants in the market aim to attract attention by creating peculiarly shaped teapots that may be visually appealing but lack practicality. While these teapots may have distinctive designs, they often neglect the fundamental purpose of brewing Tea, making them unsuitable for use.

In terms of giving a gift, if the teapot is not the work of a master craftsman and has an excessively unusual shape, most people will find it difficult to appreciate. Even if the recipient doesn't mind, using such a teapot to serve tea to guests who understand teapots could lead to embarrassment.

02

Teapots with Excessively Bright Colors

Genuine Yixing purple clay teapots are characterized by a subdued yet lustrous appearance. Truly well-fired teapots do not exhibit bright colors.

Some unscrupulous merchants in the market claim to sell authentic products but use non-purple clay materials, employing slip-casting or injection molding techniques to produce hundreds of teapot bodies in a day. These are then assembled with spouts, handles, and lids, and finished with brightly colored glazes. Such mass-produced teapots can mislead beginners.

These teapots with overly bright colors may emit strange odors when used to Brew tea and could potentially harm the user's health, making them unsuitable for gifting.

03

Teapots with Unclear Maker's Marks

A maker's mark on a Purple Clay Teapot is an imprint, either stamped or engraved, indicating the creator, commissioner, or supervisor of the piece. These marks are typically found on the bottom, inside the lid, or beneath the handle.

Most purple clay maker's marks are well-ordered and finely crafted, holding artistic value and appreciation.

▲ Sample of Wang Yinxian's seal (partially shown)

The maker's mark on a purple clay teapot can be seen as a form of “trademark.” In the market, if a recently made teapot lacks a maker's mark, and its origin and authorship are unknown, it resembles a “triple-no” product (no manufacturer, no production date, no quality inspection), which would make one hesitant to purchase, let alone give as a gift.

▲ Sample of Jiang Rong's seal (partially shown)

That concludes today's guide. By avoiding these potential pitfalls, you can ensure that your choice of teapot as a gift will be well-received!

Have you ever given a purple clay teapot as a gift? How did you select it? Share your tips in the comments section below to help new enthusiasts!

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