In an information-based society, it only takes a moment to spread a rumor, but it can take a lot of effort to dispel one. The world of purple clay teapots is no exception, rife with various rumors, some of which have even been regarded as “truth.” Today, let's take a look at some of these myths together.
Myth One: There Is No Longer Any Original Purple Clay Mine
As is well known, purple clay is abundant in the Dingshu area of Yixing. However, due to illegal and excessive mining during a certain period, many purple clay mines were essentially rendered useless, leading to Yixing implementing a “mining ban” in 2005. Does this mean there is no original purple clay mine left?
This is not necessarily true.
Experienced pot makers in Yixing have a habit of storing clay. Before the ban, they purchased large quantities of clay to ensure that every Teapot sold was made from original mine clay.
Myth Two: Non-wrinkled Zhuni Clay is Fake and Mixed With Other Materials
In previous articles, we've mentioned that because Zhuni clay has a high shrinkage rate, in the past, when using firewood kilns with uneven temperatures, wrinkles would often appear on the surface of the finished teapot, leading to the saying “no wrinkles, no Zhuni.”
However, today, the way of firing has fundamentally changed. Various environmentally friendly new kilns, such as electric and gas kilns, can control the temperature better than before.
With careful selection of clay, understanding its properties, and proper processing, good quality wrinkle-free Zhuni clay is also widely available. Therefore, the claim that all Zhuni must wrinkle is an oversimplification.
Myth Three: 99% of Craftsmen and Masters Use Surrogates to Make Their Pots
The purple clay market is a mixed bag, and there may be instances of surrogacy. However, the claim that 99% of craftsmen use surrogates is certainly exaggerated. There are many dedicated artisans who do not solely focus on profit.
Therefore, enthusiasts should choose reputable platforms and thoroughly research before making a purchase.
Myth Four: To Season a Purple Clay Teapot, You Must Boil It With Tofu and Sugarcane
We have debunked this myth several times before.
In reality, Seasoning a purple clay teapot does not need to be so complicated. Modern firing techniques result in finished teapots with minimal earthy and kiln flavors.
Before using a new teapot, use a brush to remove any residual kiln sand or Pottery shards inside. Then rinse the teapot with warm water. Fill the teapot with warm water. Finally, steep the Tea you will regularly use in the teapot a few times, or if you prefer, steep with hot water for a longer period. After the tea has cooled, clean the teapot again. This completes the seasoning process.
Myth Five: Older Purple Clay Teapots Have Greater Collectible Value
In many people's subconscious, collectibles tend to increase in value with age. However, because of the historical and cultural significance of purple clay teapots, the market is full of fake old teapots, making collecting more difficult and causing financial losses for some enthusiasts.
When evaluating the potential appreciation of a purple clay teapot, consider factors such as the clay quality, shape, craftsmanship, style, and mark, rather than simply assuming that older is better.
Myth Six: You Can Judge the Quality of a Teapot by Its Sound
The sound produced when tapping on a purple clay teapot varies depending on the type of clay and the firing temperature. Similarly, a teapot that has been seasoned will produce a different sound compared to one freshly out of the kiln!
Therefore, the authenticity and quality of a purple clay teapot cannot be determined by sound alone.
In the process of appreciating teapots, enthusiasts should remain vigilant and learn to think critically. Do not accept hearsay, and avoid simplifying and mechanizing all experiential evaluations!
If there are any copyright issues, please contact us to remove them.