More and more people are interested in learning about and purchasing purple clay Teapots. When selecting one, everyone hopes to buy a good one. So, how do you evaluate a Purple Clay Teapot? Today, I'll teach you how to identify its quality!

Clay Identification Method

Avoid teapots that look bright and shiny at first glance.

▲ High-temperature Dingcun Qing Jingzhou Shipiáo

Reason: Teapots made from original mine clay do not have bright colors, nor do they shine. While good clay produces a pleasant water color when fired, it will never be glossy.

Select teapots with a rich sand feel and visible iron and mica.

Reason: The sand feel is the most obvious characteristic of the clay. Even glossy Zhuni teapots have a sand feel. If a Teapot is overly glossy, be cautious. Original mine clay contains abundant mica and iron ore, which is evident after firing. Acid-washed clay, on the other hand, lacks iron content and appears dull.

Workmanship Identification Method

Pay attention to details for round, square, and ribbed teapots.

Reason: For round teapots, fullness and roundness are crucial. The body should not have any concavities or uneven spots. The same applies to square and ribbed teapots, which should not have any concave sides. These issues reflect problems with the workmanship.

Additionally, for square and ribbed teapots, examine the lines for straightness and continuity. They should not be crooked. Although square teapots may have curves, these should not be crooked lines. This also indicates poor workmanship.

Spout, handle, base, lid button, and other components should be carefully inspected if they have been seamlessly joined.

Reason: Seamless joining means using tail clay to blend the spout, handle, and other parts into the body, creating an integrated appearance. These areas should be evenly filled with clay and correctly aligned. Any crookedness indicates insufficient attention to detail. For example, if a triangular Ziye teapot's base is not symmetrically triangular, this suggests rough workmanship and carelessness.

Practical Identification Method

The water flow should be smooth and unimpeded.

Reason: At its core, a purple clay teapot is used for brewing Tea, so the water flow must be good. This is the most important aspect regardless of the shape.

The handle should be comfortable to hold.

Reason: If the handle is uncomfortable to hold, too small, or awkward to grasp, these can serve as criteria for your practical selection.

The lid button should be easy to grip.

Reason: The lid button or lid is often used when brewing tea, so it should be easy to grip. Otherwise, it might slip out of your hand accidentally.

For new purple clay teapot enthusiasts, these three methods are very practical ways to identify quality. If you're experiencing similar concerns, consider using these tips.