Da Hongpao, a clay material that has sparked much debate. A newcomer to the world of purple clay would likely wonder about its connection to the Fujian Wuyi rock Tea named “Da Hongpao.”

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, in southern areas like Chaozhou, Guangdong, drinking “Kung Fu Tea” was popular. After the emergence of purple clay Teapots, some officials who had taken up posts in Yixing brought red clay teapots down south. This is how Da Hongpao tea and red clay teapots serendipitously met. The color of the tea blended perfectly with the hue of the Teapot, forming a perfect match. Soon after, people in Chaozhou who drank “Kung Fu Tea” began to favor Yixing red clay teapots. Red clay teapots have a vibrant color, similar to the hue of the Da Hongpao tea buds. Over time, “Da Hongpao” became synonymous with red clay teapots.

In the Ming and Qing dynasties, “Da Hongpao” among purple clay materials had another explanation: an exceptional type of red clay! Some today believe it's just a legend, extinct or perhaps never existed at all. So, does “Da Hongpao” really exist?

I would say it both exists and doesn't exist. It doesn't exist because there are no standards for “Da Hongpao,” and most people don't even know what it is, let alone seen it. Historically, red clay didn't even have a name, so where did this so-called “Da Hongpao” come from? On the other hand, since “Da Hongpao” refers to a bright red clay teapot, and there were historically works made of red clay that were called “Da Hongpao,” and given that the source of purple clay hasn't been exhausted, why wouldn't “Da Hongpao” red clay exist?

Original Da Hongpao Red Clay

Around 2000, Liu Yulin, a seasoned expert in our industry, based on his knowledge of purple clay and understanding of “Da Hongpao,” set out to find this red clay. He scoured nearly every mine and quarry in Yixing and its surroundings until he finally found a mineral material recognized by experts as “Da Hongpao.” Initially, the “Da Hongpao” material found by Liu Yulin wasn't widely accepted, and many even dismissed it. However, once they saw the finished products and handled them regularly, they became treasures to connoisseurs, who competed to purchase them at high prices.

The characteristics of Da Hongpao red clay can be summarized into three points: scarcity, difficulty, and peculiarity.

Scarcity refers to the extreme rarity of the mineral material. Unlike ordinary materials, which have their own layers, original Da Hongpao does not have a separate layer. Instead, it is scattered sporadically within red clay layers. Typically, only a few ounces can be selected from several cubic feet of soil in a mine, making the material extremely rare and precious, priced by the pound.

Due to the scarcity of resources, mechanical processing isn't feasible. Therefore, traditional small stone mills are typically used to grind the material into powder, which is then manually mixed into clay. After aging, it becomes usable. Currently, there are works on the market that claim to be made of Da Hongpao clay, but these are actually artificially formulated clays that fail to capture the uniqueness of true Da Hongpao clay. Genuine Da Hongpao clay is truly scarce.

Difficulty refers to the challenges in making and firing. Da Hongpao red clay appears yellowish when raw. According to analysis by the Jiangsu Ceramic Research Institute, its silica content is relatively lower compared to most purple clays, and it has a high proportion of clay particles, giving it excellent viscosity. This makes it very sticky during pot-making, making it difficult to shape, unless one is an expert in working with red clay.

Da Hongpao clay has a heavy clay nature and contracts significantly during firing, usually around 18%. Its firing temperature is low, and the range is narrow, typically between 1130°C and 1160°C. If the temperature isn't controlled well during firing, the clay can easily crack or burst, leading to a very low success rate. As such, it is generally only suitable for making small pieces, not large ones.

Peculiarity refers to its unique effects after prolonged use and maintenance. Although Da Hongpao red clay has a relatively vibrant color, it isn't as vividly red as one might imagine. After firing, the finished product typically presents a dark red hue. With long-term use and care, the color becomes increasingly bright and lustrous, like jade. Individually, the color may not seem particularly distinct, but when compared to other red clay works, its characteristics become evident.

Source: Encyclopedia of Purple Clay Teapots, information shared is valuable; please contact us for removal if copyright issues arise.