Purple clay teapots are unique to China, and artisans integrate sculptures, calligraphy, drawings, paintings, and poetry into many of the designs. These elements make purple clay teapots not only practical tea sets, but also works of art. But they didn't start off so popular and elaborate: it was a slow road to fame.
It all begins
During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), loose-leaf tea came into fashion. More and more people took to drinking tea, and they tried to find better tea ware. Now the stage was set for the first purple clay teapot to show up.
According to ancient sources, a boy named Gong Chun saw some people making jars using purple clay and was enlightened. "Why not use it to make teapots?" he thought. He cleansed the clay, and crafted a small purple clay teapot.
He showed this pot to his friends. They were surprised by his novel yet somewhat plain creation. And when they sampled tea brewed in the pot, they found out it was much more delicious and savory than before. They saw this pot as a remarkable innovation, and called it a Gong Chun Pot in honor of that observant and creative boy. Since then, a great number of potters have been imitating this classic style.
Did you know? Several years ago, a replica of the first purple clay teapot crafted by today's most famous potter, Gu Jingzhou, was priced at 25 thousand US dollars.
Achievements made by potters of the last two dynasties
As the Ming dynasty faded, craftsmen endeavored to create original patterns. For example, some of them blended the features of ancient bronze or gold containers into their styles. Just like the bronze prototypes, purple clay teapots gained a more dignified and royal look.
The Qing dynasty (1644 - 1912) followed, and then artisans combined exquisite carvings with purple clay teapots. They looked at everyday things such as pets and plants and put them on their pots. Furthermore, a new practice came into force: When a potter finished a teapot, he would imprint his name and seal upon his work. This way everybody would recognize that this purple clay teapot was made by him.
After many years, some craftsmen wanted to engrave complex images and landscapes on purple clay teapots. During this time, many different kinds of traditional Chinese art were added to the crafting of purple clay teapots. The invention of new tools allowed them to make more intricate designs, like Chinese characters, that were previously impossible.
Contemporary development of purple clay teapots
From the fall of the Qing dynasty to new China's opening-up to the world in the mid-to-late 20th century, purple clay teapots went through a recession. Political and social problems in this time made crafting purple clay teapots a rare luxury. But after this time, purple clay teapot workmanship was revived, and more and more skillful potters came forward. They dedicated themselves to both tradition and originality.
However, natural resources are not infinite. Purple clay is inevitably going to be depleted sooner or later. To protect this valuable reserve, the Chinese administration enacted laws to limit the amount of purple clay that can be extracted from the Yixing mines. Presently, only a relatively small quantity of purple clay is allowed to be mined annually. So real purple clay teapots are becoming harder and harder to find.
It all begins
During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), loose-leaf tea came into fashion. More and more people took to drinking tea, and they tried to find better tea ware. Now the stage was set for the first purple clay teapot to show up.
According to ancient sources, a boy named Gong Chun saw some people making jars using purple clay and was enlightened. "Why not use it to make teapots?" he thought. He cleansed the clay, and crafted a small purple clay teapot.
He showed this pot to his friends. They were surprised by his novel yet somewhat plain creation. And when they sampled tea brewed in the pot, they found out it was much more delicious and savory than before. They saw this pot as a remarkable innovation, and called it a Gong Chun Pot in honor of that observant and creative boy. Since then, a great number of potters have been imitating this classic style.
Did you know? Several years ago, a replica of the first purple clay teapot crafted by today's most famous potter, Gu Jingzhou, was priced at 25 thousand US dollars.
Achievements made by potters of the last two dynasties
As the Ming dynasty faded, craftsmen endeavored to create original patterns. For example, some of them blended the features of ancient bronze or gold containers into their styles. Just like the bronze prototypes, purple clay teapots gained a more dignified and royal look.
The Qing dynasty (1644 - 1912) followed, and then artisans combined exquisite carvings with purple clay teapots. They looked at everyday things such as pets and plants and put them on their pots. Furthermore, a new practice came into force: When a potter finished a teapot, he would imprint his name and seal upon his work. This way everybody would recognize that this purple clay teapot was made by him.
After many years, some craftsmen wanted to engrave complex images and landscapes on purple clay teapots. During this time, many different kinds of traditional Chinese art were added to the crafting of purple clay teapots. The invention of new tools allowed them to make more intricate designs, like Chinese characters, that were previously impossible.
Contemporary development of purple clay teapots
From the fall of the Qing dynasty to new China's opening-up to the world in the mid-to-late 20th century, purple clay teapots went through a recession. Political and social problems in this time made crafting purple clay teapots a rare luxury. But after this time, purple clay teapot workmanship was revived, and more and more skillful potters came forward. They dedicated themselves to both tradition and originality.
However, natural resources are not infinite. Purple clay is inevitably going to be depleted sooner or later. To protect this valuable reserve, the Chinese administration enacted laws to limit the amount of purple clay that can be extracted from the Yixing mines. Presently, only a relatively small quantity of purple clay is allowed to be mined annually. So real purple clay teapots are becoming harder and harder to find.
About the Author:
Author J. Jia has studied Chinese pottery, paintings, and other art such as Chinese teapots for 20+ years. Occasionally, he endorses the work of certain potters. View some quality Yixing teapots here.
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