Those familiar with purple Clay Tea wares are certainly aware of the concept of kiln temperature, which plays a crucial role in the formation of such Teaware. It not only determines its quality but also its aesthetic appeal. For example, different kiln temperatures can result in slight color variations in works made from the same type of purple clay. Therefore, a successful purple clay creation requires precise control over kiln temperature.
Generally speaking, the smaller the particles in the raw material, the easier it is to sinter, requiring a relatively higher temperature. The higher the temperature, the greater the degree of Sintering and shrinkage rate. To improve the quality of the fired purple clay tea wares, artisans typically set upper and lower limits for sintering temperature, then select the appropriate kiln and establish a reasonable firing temperature and heating rate curve. For pieces with a narrow firing range, it is suitable to complete the process at the lower limit of the sintering temperature, possibly extending the holding time. Conversely, for pieces with a wider firing range, the process can be completed at the upper limit, shortening the firing cycle.
When the kiln temperature is too high, the exterior of the purple clay tea ware may exhibit signs of scorching, become rough, or even develop cracks, deformations, and blisters. These issues can lead to reduced breathability and water absorption, and the sound produced when tapped will resemble that of porcelain. If the kiln temperature is too low, the result might be a dull color, loose texture, and an unclean appearance. The sound produced when tapped will be similar to that of earthenware, and there may be an earthy taste when used.
Under normal firing conditions, the body color of purple clay tea wares changes as the temperature varies, resulting in different shades. In summary, different kiln temperatures yield varying colors. This difference is primarily observed during the transition from the onset of sintering to softening. Adjusting the firing temperature and heating rate curve can alter the color of the purple clay.
Thus, the impact of kiln temperature on purple clay tea wares is multifaceted: it directly determines whether the piece forms correctly, influences the desirability of the color, and can even affect the user experience of the tea ware.