When you hear the term “Lao Zini,” it gives the impression of being a very distinguished type of clay. The feeling is that if you buy a Teapot made from it, it's worth every penny.

It sounds like this, and in fact, it's even more so! What is Lao Zini? The key lies in the character “old,” which has several interpretations, including high sand content and long aging time.

01

High Sand Content

The term “old” refers to large blocks of Zini ore with high sand content. This type of ore contains many quartz particles, making it difficult to form into clay for teapot making and requiring a high firing temperature.

Dicangqing is a typical example. It has high sand content and settles at the bottom.

This interpretation suggests that due to its high sand content and difficulty in processing, it is described as “old,” hence the term Lao Zini.

02

Aging Time

The term “old” refers to the aging time of the clay, with longer aging periods denoted as “old” clay.

Clay aged for a long time has higher plasticity when used to make molds and results in a warmer color after firing. It can develop a lustrous and antique appearance with short-term soaking.

In a sense, the longer the aging period, the better, but clay that has been aged for too long needs to be reconditioned before being used for teapot making.

This interpretation suggests that due to its long aging time, it is described as “old,” hence the term Lao Zini.

However, some Lao Zini clays have characteristics very similar to old clay, whether used or soaked. They are water-receptive and easily patinated, with little difference from the first interpretation (most current Lao Zini falls into this category).

03

The Color of Lao Zini

There is no definitive explanation within the industry regarding Lao Zini. The above two explanations are relatively scientific.

According to these two interpretations, apart from having high sand content and being suitable for soaking, Lao Zini does not exhibit a specific color!

In summary, dark purple clay isn't necessarily Lao Zini; this point must be clear to enthusiasts.

The color of a Purple Clay Teapot only relates to the ratio of the clay mixture and the firing temperature.

Lao Zini belongs to the category of “old” purple clay (in other words, purple clay with a long aging period), so purple clay is a broader category than Lao Zini, with Lao Zini falling within the scope of purple clay.

The relationship between the two is one of inclusion rather than distinction. Clay with a long aging period is easier to maintain and develops a patina quickly.

The aging period of the clay, in a certain sense, is better the longer it lasts, but clay that has been aged for too long needs to be reconditioned before being used for teapot making.

Aging is not simply about “long-term storage.” Instead, wet clay blocks are placed in a cellar or Pottery jar that is not exposed to sunlight or air. The temperature and humidity need to be controlled to facilitate the generation and release of humic acid.

Mostly, an aging period of 12 months is needed to become clay with evenly distributed moisture, fully decomposed organic matter, enhanced plasticity, and less likelihood of cracking during forming, commonly known as “aged clay” or “raw clay.”

Aged and fermented clay is called “raw clay,” which then needs to be mixed by a master on a clay bench with leftover “cooked clay scraps” from previous mold-making processes. After multiple rounds of kneading, it becomes “cooked clay” that is ideal for teapot making, achieving optimal plasticity and uniformity.

0

Characteristics of High-Quality Purple Clay

1. Lao Zini possesses the general characteristics of high-quality purple clay, meaning Lao Zini is a type of high-quality purple clay.

2. After long-term aging, Lao Zini has more Pectin content, making it easy to form into Teapots and patinate quickly. High-quality purple clay is “high sand content” ore, containing many quartz particles. When normally aged and processed into clay, it is difficult to form and requires a high firing temperature.

3. Both Lao Zini and high-quality purple clay have fast soaking speeds and good breathability. High-quality purple clay typically undergoes long-term aging, and the aging period of Lao Zini is also longer than that of ordinary purple clay.

Therefore, sometimes we feel that the making of a purple clay teapot takes only a short time, but behind it are years of dedicated effort.

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