Many Tea pot enthusiasts might find the traditional handcrafted Mud refining method intriguing. Let me explain it simply:
In ancient times, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, technology was not as advanced as it is today. In the field of purple clay, everything relied on manual labor. The ore was extracted from mines hundreds of meters deep underground, sorted, with purple clay categorized separately from dun (segmented) clay.
The sorted materials were then laid out in open areas to weather naturally. Exposed to the elements—wind, rain, sun, and storms—for periods ranging from several months to a few years, the ore would gradually decompose and loosen.
The next step involved sorting and removing impurities. Each piece of ore was washed and cleaned, primarily to remove iron, limestone, basalt, and other contaminants. Iron was removed using a magnet, which passed through the ore to extract iron-containing components. This process could not completely eliminate iron, so even authentic purple clay teapots may contain some iron spots, known as “little black dots.” Acid washing the clay can achieve a more thorough removal of iron.
The cleaned ore was then ground into powder using stone mills—a traditional handcrafted method. Alternatively, hard objects were used to pound the ore. The resulting powder was sieved through a screen. The mesh size of the screen determines the fineness of the powder: finer powders for larger mesh sizes and coarser powders for smaller mesh sizes. Hand-ground clays tend to be coarser but have better breathability than machine-ground ones.
The sieved powder was mixed with water and stirred in large round vats. At this stage, “rootless water” was typically used because tap water contains purifying agents that can alter the color of the clay. The mixture was repeatedly stirred and pounded, much like kneading dough for New Year's glutinous rice balls. It was essential to ensure uniformity without any air bubbles before placing it in a cool area to mature.
The maturation period typically lasted several years, allowing the clay to stabilize fully. This makes it easier to work with and ensures a good appearance for the finished Teapot.
Before making the teapot, the matured clay was taken out and pounded again to prevent “flowering.”
The clay refined using traditional methods produces a rich texture with a vintage feel. Upon closer inspection, the particles vary in size, creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance. When used for brewing tea, the clay's breathability is maximized. The simplicity and natural charm of traditionally refined clay appeal to many enthusiasts, who appreciate its original essence. Ultimately, the most cherished teapots are often the simplest.