Where is the largest purple sand teapot market in Yixing? How much can Yixing purple sand teapot buy really?

The making process of Yixing teapot

The clay is first rolled out and then cut into upper and lower parts. Next, the craftsman cut out the edges with purple clay and rolled them into a ribbon. Then the edge is carved into the desired shape. Put it on top, then on the bottom. The artist then smoothed and shaped the teapot to eliminate cracks and holes. The lid opening is shaped and reshaped to ensure that the lid fits. Depending on the design of the flowerpot, the whole forming process may take several days to weeks.

Then fill the teapot with sand and put it into the kiln. Sand helps to prevent the teapot from cracking under high temperature and pressure. Craftsmen must also take into account pressure and humidity to prevent cracks.

How to choose Yixing teapot

Fake Yixing teapots can be found in Chinatowns all over the world. These low-quality versions are usually made of artificial clay contaminated with chemicals and pigments. Since these pots are unglazed, these chemicals and additives will seep into your tea.

To choose a high-quality Yixing teapot, this pot is made of purple sand from Yixing area. Next, check the price. Yixing teapots are already expensive because their production is so labor-intensive. Most entry-level artists and students sell Yixing teapots for between $80 and $120. Yixing teapots made by industry masters can be priced at more than 500 US dollars. If you spend $10 on an Yixing teapot, it's probably a fake.

Also need to find the right lid. The lid of Yixing teapot produced by many machines is loose and makes a sound. This is because they are not as perfect as handmade products. Also pay attention to the lines inside the teapot, which indicate that the teapot is cast by machine. Hand-made Yixing pots do not have any casting lines because they are hand-made.

How to use Yixing purple sand teapot

Yixing teapot is used to brew black tea, oolong tea, Pu'er tea, green tea and white tea. They were originally used to brew oxidized and semi-oxidized tea. If it is used to brew green or white tea, you must let the water cool before adding the tea.

As Yixing teapots absorb the taste of tea, they should only be used to brew one kind of tea. Mixed tea will change the taste and ruin the future brewing.

The first thing to do after buying Yixing teapot is to season it. First, put the filtered water into a pot on the stove and boil it. Gently put the Yixing teapot in boiling water. Use wire spoons or white towels to form a barrier between the Yixing pot and the bottom of the pot to prevent burning. Let the Yixing pot boil gently in hot water for 10 minutes.

The next step in seasoning is to soak the teapot in strong tea. Brew the tea you want in the pot. Pour the brewed tea into a large bowl. Keep brewing until there is enough tea in the bowl to drown the Yixing teapot. Put the Yixing teapot into the brewed tea and let it stand at room temperature. Take it out, pat it dry and use it to make tea as usual.

How to maintain Yixing teapot

Wash the teapot only with hot water. Never use soap or detergent, as porous clay will absorb these smells. Do not use metal utensils or other abrasive metals on Yixing pots, as these can cause scratches. Store the teapot upside down and open the lid to prevent moisture or mildew.

Brewing with artistic flavor

If you are looking for a new teapot for your tea, take a look at Yixing teapot. Yixing ceramic art is a great pioneering work of Chinese culture. The history of these beautiful Chinese tea sets can be traced back to the Song, Ming and Qing dynasties. In China, they have always been used in rituals. These amazing handmade teapots have high quality materials and simple but elegant styling. Add Yixing teapot to your wish list and you will find its exquisite flavor and handmade properties.