Zhuni, surely you are familiar with it. Speaking of the color of Zhuni, it is truly beautiful and very attractive. Do you know why the color of Zhuni is relatively red?

Some believe that the vibrant color effect of Zhuni is mainly due to its extremely high iron content. This view is not supported by evidence; a high iron content can only be relative to Duan clay, but compared to Purple clay, it is not particularly high. In fact, the iron content in Zhuni is similar to most Purple clays, around 9%. At a low temperature of 1150 degrees Celsius, both Purple clay and Zhuni exhibit a red color, and newcomers might mistake some reddish Purple clay for Zhuni. However, at this temperature, the Purple clay is not fully fired. As the temperature rises and oxidation-reduction reactions occur, ferric oxide converts to ferrous oxide, and the color of Purple clay becomes darker, transitioning from red to purple.

Due to varying degrees of weathering, the iron content in Zhuni also varies, resulting in differences in color.

To achieve a better appearance of Zhuni, inferior materials may be used to mimic it by mixing common red clay with iron red powder and glass water. Iron red powder is added to enhance the redness, while glass water increases brightness and transparency.

The typical firing temperature range for Zhuni is: 1120 to 1160 degrees Celsius. At 1110 degrees, it presents an orange-yellow hue, with a denser texture and a louder sound; at 1130 degrees, it turns a bright red, with a dense texture and a clear sound; at 1150 degrees, it becomes a deep red, with a dense texture and a crisp sound.

Many people assume that Zhuni with prominent wrinkles is better, but excessively wrinkled clay is often a sign of slurry clay. It's worth noting that many old Zhuni Teapots at auctions or in museums do not have wrinkles, or if they do, they are quite natural.

(Qianlong Period Zhuni Teapot with Poetic Inscription)

Zhuni teapots with exceptionally glossy surfaces, overly pronounced wrinkles, and extreme cleanliness should raise suspicion.

Source: The Encyclopedia of Purple Clay Teapots. Information is valuable when shared. If there are any copyright issues, please contact us for removal.