The purple clay Teapot is a treasure to Tea drinkers, but to bring out its true character, one must have the correct method for nurturing it. Over time, the luster and unique features of the pot are gradually developed in your hands, and the sense of achievement and affection that comes with this cannot be compared to any rarity or expense of the pot. As Zhou Gaoqi, a scholar from the Ming dynasty, said: “After long-term use, the pot is wiped daily, naturally emitting a dark luster, so reflective that it can be used as a mirror.” This statement essentially captures the fundamental method of using and nurturing the pot.

To start nurturing, thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the pot. Whether new or old, before nurturing, remove any wax, oil, dust, etc., from the pot. Boil a strong tea broth in a clean pot, and place the Purple Clay Teapot in the tea broth to cook, which is known as opening the pot.

Avoid oil contamination when opening the pot. The most important thing to avoid with a purple clay teapot is oil contamination. If it occurs, it must be cleaned immediately, otherwise, the clay will not absorb the tea water and will only leave oily marks, which is detrimental to the nurturing of the pot.

It's best to use the same pot for the same type of tea. For example, a pot dedicated to ripe Pu'er should not be used for raw Pu'er. Purple clay pots easily absorb the aroma and color of the tea, and maintaining purity of flavor and color helps in the nurturing of the vessel. Over time, the body of the pot will gradually develop an even and smooth texture.

To nurture the pot, you must actually Brew tea, but not just for the sake of nurturing. The more often you brew tea, the more tea juice the pot absorbs, and at a certain point, the clay will emit a lustrous glow like jade.

Wiping and brushing should be done moderately. If tea juice accidentally splashes on the surface of the pot, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any accumulated tea, rinse with boiling water, and then lightly wipe with a clean tea towel. Avoid constantly rubbing vigorously or deliberately applying tea juice and scrubbing repeatedly.

Clean regularly and allow drying. After brewing tea, clean and dry the pot thoroughly to prevent odors from developing.

Allow the pot to rest. After a period of use, the teapot needs a break, allowing the clay to dry naturally and completely. When used again, it will better absorb the tea's essence.

Polish to a reflective finish. A truly good teapot requires not only excellent clay, craftsmanship, and design, but also nurturing through use to change its internal structure. Only then does it achieve a fine, smooth, and soft effect, glowing with vitality and warmth like beautiful jade. The distinctive feature of a purple clay teapot lies in its ability to engage emotionally with its user. The more care and attention given to it, the deeper and more lovable its response becomes. Therefore, a good teapot should not be left unused but should be handled frequently.

When nurtured following these six steps, although the process may be slower, the brightness is lasting, doesn't fade, and is not affected by the touch of others.

Brewing Pu'er tea with a purple clay teapot helps to showcase the authentic flavor of the tea leaves, and aids in the release of its aroma. At the same time, brewing tea also nourishes the teapot, allowing its charm to develop. In the process of brewing, they complement each other perfectly.