Regarding the reason for a new Teapot's glossy appearance:
purple clay is loved by teapot enthusiasts for its simple and unadorned nature.
Originally plain and unassuming, after prolonged use, purple clay naturally becomes lustrous and warm – a process commonly referred to as seasoning or developing a patina.
Seasoning a teapot is one of the joys of owning one.
▲Elegant and natural
However, some enthusiasts choose Teapots that have already been seasoned, or they receive teapots that appear to have been seasoned. What can be said about these teapots?
Firstly, enthusiasts should understand that a glossy surface does not necessarily mean the teapot has been seasoned.
Seasoning and Patina Development
A newly made Purple Clay Teapot comes out of the Kiln rough and gritty, with a plain surface that appears dull.
Over time, through regular use and exposure to tea, the clay absorbs moisture and becomes smoother and more lustrous, developing an inner glow that gives it a slightly aged appearance with a satin sheen.
This is the patina developed through normal seasoning.
▲Satin sheen
Faux Seasoning Effect
Returning to our initial question: why do some enthusiasts receive teapots that are already glossy?
Seasoning is a gradual process that cannot be achieved overnight. It is unlikely that a seller would take the time to season a teapot before selling it. Therefore, the teapots you receive are not naturally seasoned to achieve their glossiness. Generally, there are several possibilities:
Note: The following images may be affected by lighting and are provided for reference only.
1. Your teapot has been polished many times.
▲Polished and buffed
Polishing involves buffing the entire teapot with sandpaper, resulting in a very glossy surface. This is done either to improve the teapot's appearance or to mimic the appearance of a seasoned teapot.
2. Your teapot has been fired multiple times.
▲Fired multiple times
Regardless of the clay type, after multiple firings, the surface of the teapot will also appear glossy. This gloss differs from polishing and is due to the teapot becoming somewhat vitrified during firing. For example, with red clay, each additional firing increases its crystallinity and glossiness.
3. Your teapot has been waxed or coated.
▲Waxed teapot body
This type of teapot is obviously very glossy, aimed at improving its appearance and mimicking a seasoned patina. However, this is easily discernible because white spots appear on the surface when hot water is poured over it.
The luster developed by a purple clay teapot through prolonged use is the most charming aspect. The process of seasoning a teapot can enhance one's temperament and cultivation, and it brings a sense of accomplishment. Therefore, instead of seeking a teapot that has already developed a patina, it might be better to season one yourself.
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