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Clay teapot: why is Yixing clay expensive?

Tea connoisseurs know the true value of clay teapots, but beginners who are just joining the company of “elite tea lovers” may have doubts when choosing dishes about which teapot to buy. You really need to understand this, as elite varieties from China require special attention and knowledge in the field of brewing. Don’t think that it is difficult. Everything is simple and clear! The main thing is to decide on the material, its features (including care) and design. So, clay teapots! What are they good for and why are they so popular not only in China, but also around the world?

You have come to this page and see the offered assortment. One of the important primary questions that may arise when evaluating clay teapots is the price, and it is quite big, and it varies. Having studied the advantages of Yixing clay, you will understand why it is in this segment. And, the first thing I want to say: a clay teapot is deservedly not cheap!

If you want to not just drink tea, but bring oriental tradition to tea drinking - a clay teapot will play the best role! As you have already seen: you can buy a clay teapot in Kiev at "My Tea". Placing an order takes a few minutes, but that's not what we're talking about now. Before you make a choice, read the information and ask yourself: is it right for me?

Yixing clay ... An unusual material mined in only one place on Earth - China, Yixing County. It is not so easy to get it. The layer used to make clay teapots is located far in the depths. Only it has a unique property - it allows tea leaves to "breathe". This is explained by the content of kaolin, iron, silicon, small silicate particles. This combination allows products to be fired at a very high temperature, and the porosity of the material has the property of letting oxygen into the teapot, under the influence of which the tea leaf opens up perfectly, completely "breathes". And another important "plus": the loose elastic surface of the clay absorbs all the aromas of tea, accumulates them with each subsequent brewing and gives them away in the form of an exclusive fragrance, which brings pleasure even to the most demanding gourmets.

In general, time is an important aspect for Yixing clay. The more you use the dish, the lighter and more sonorous it becomes. This is a good indicator of quality!

Yixin clay is not soft and moist by its natural structure. Therefore, it is used on the potter's wheel. Its structure is a rocky hard rock, which is subjected to various manipulations by manual and semi-manual production, which includes the casting process. As a result, the surface of clay teapots looks smooth or grainy: sometimes there are interesting imitations - it takes on the appearance of citrus peel, expressive pits, bumps ... It all depends on the imagination of the master and his desire to demonstrate his skill and craftsmanship.

You look at clay teapots and think: how fragile are they? You are wrong! Visual fragility is deceptive. Each product has increased strength.

Yixing clay heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time, positively affecting the taste and aroma properties of the drink. Each infusion gives essential oils to the teapot for brewing, which, in turn, absorbs them into its walls. During the next brewing, it adds “its” taste to the new raw materials, making the nectar unique and individual. Imagine: you use the dishes more than 200-300 times ... Each tea ceremony demonstrates a new taste and aroma ... The brewing is the same, but the drink becomes more original, brighter ... Over time, it even becomes interesting: what will elite tea demonstrate today? Many, probably, have already had a desire to buy a clay teapot ... Do not rush, you do not all know yet!

Natural material is deservedly expensive: a Chinese clay teapot destroys lead and other dangerous compounds with each brewing, thereby enhancing the usefulness of the healing drink.

You probably noticed that the clay teapots in our catalog differ in color. A rich color range is a gift of nature that makes natural material more interesting for the design of dishes. In addition, each color is a sign of certain quality characteristics that affect the price category. For example, purple Yixing clay has the largest deposits and its processing technology is one of the simplest. Therefore, it is relatively cheap and available to everyone.

Next to it is the most expensive - white. Its deposits are located far from other types. It is difficult to find. Plus, it is capricious in firing. In the tea industry, white Chinese clay teapots are called works of art.

You can buy a clay teapot in "My Tea" in any color. It all depends on your taste and financial capabilities. Pay attention to the fact: all the dishes are decoratively simple. It does not demonstrate rich decoration and brightness. The maximum that Chinese masters allow themselves is delicate paintings, concisely decorating traditional dishes of the Celestial Empire, which came to the modern world from ancient times, when China was famous for imperial monarchs and their achievements.

You can buy clay teapots at different prices. It largely depends on who made them. China has its own qualification of craftsmen, which takes into account various merits, including work experience. Each master must study, study and study again, while taking exams, participate in various exhibitions, publish articles on his own production, engage in independent research, use his own design (in no case be caught plagiarizing), etc. Depending on the skill of the creator of clay dishes, the price for his products is set. In our catalog you will see quite loyal prices. In reality, a teapot can cost a lot of money and serve as a specimen for collection. In certain circles, owning such an item is not only pleasant, but also status-related. But, don't think: if you buy a clay teapot for 740 hryvnias, it's not profitable, you're wrong! It's just that super-expensive and cheaper items are completely different things, intended for different uses.

It is almost impossible to buy a Chinese clay teapot that is completely handmade. This is a huge rarity that occurs exclusively among registered samples. More budget units, brought to completion by hand, perfectly cope with the main task - to brew tea perfectly and fill it with taste and aromatic sophistication. And this can be both a "masterpiece" for a beginner and a more professional participant. An adequate price is not a reason to doubt the quality of the goods being sold.

Now you know that a clay teapot is deservedly in demand due to its exceptional natural and decorative value. If you decide to buy a clay teapot, we recommend that you listen to some more tips to be completely confident in a profitable purchase.

Every housewife is interested in the question: are porous, rough surfaces easy to clean? The answer is easy! Naturally, if you do not wash the dishes for a long time, specific odors simply cannot but appear in them. In this case, they are eliminated without problems: the kettle is poured with boiling water 3 times and rinsed with cool water. Only running water! Without detergents! They must not be used! Otherwise, you will lose the peculiarity of the tea taste and aroma.

Regarding heating: let's say you've just filled a vessel with boiling water. You'll be surprised, but the handle of the clay teapot doesn't heat up. Feel free to grab the sturdy "handle" and pour the precious drink into cups (bowls)! You won't burn your fingers!

Another advantage: a clay teapot for brewing is not afraid of high temperatures. It can be placed on an open fire or in a microwave oven.

Some aesthetes call a clay teapot for brewing tea "magical." This is due to simple experiments that led to unique results. It turns out that Chinese dishes can change their color depending on the tone of the tea leaves. Only your practice will help you to make sure of this!

At first, some people are put off by the matte dullness of Yixing clay dishes. Believe me: with constant use, this amazing material acquires a luster and oily sheen.

We answered the question: why is Yixing clay teaware recognized as one of the best in the world. But what determines its “soul”? The overglaze painting technique. It is carried out after the natural color has been fixed. After its application, it is fired again. The painting style captivates with its originality and mystery. Its presence is a certain sign that forms the understanding that in your hands is real Chinese tableware, striking in its imagination and elegance of the work performed. But, there is one common privilege: all masters, without exception, have been demonstrating a love for simplicity and minimalism in design for more than one century. In other words: the appearance is remembered for its laconic sophistication and seasoned style, which ensures reliability, practicality, and ease of use.

Let's say you are ready to buy a clay teapot. We hope that you will do it in our specialized online store "PuerShop"! But if you decide to do it elsewhere, it's okay, we respect any choice, and at the same time we strongly ask you to limit yourself from fakes.

• Simple advice: Yixing natural clay always has a monotonous, dull color. Brightness is “beauty for the ignorant,” indicating the presence of oxidized metals that are harmful to health.
• Do you see a completely smooth surface? You have a fake in front of you.
• Every clay teapot has a decent weight. It looks airy and light. And if you take it in your hand, you should feel the weight.
• But, the main thing is the master's seal! It should be either under the lid of the kettle or on the bottom. The seal is not just a brand. It is a sign by which you can identify the master-producer. To do this, just use the Internet and an online translator and "go" to the state website of China, where all the information about the masters of the Celestial Empire is stored.

You can buy a clay teapot in Ukraine in specialized tea shops and through numerous online resources. The main thing is not to make a mistake with the quality. The sale of dishes made of Yixing clay is not news today, but real Chinese craftsmanship does not always correspond to reality. In this regard, one more piece of advice: no matter how much you like the teapot, you should not buy it without the main criterion. The spout, lid and handle should "lie" on the same line! This is an essential advantage of Chinese clay teapots. At the same time, the lid should not be subject to dangling movements.

Now you know where to buy clay teapots and how to use them. We would like to add from ourselves: the Chinese do not brew white, yellow teas in this vessel. They believe that it is created for pu-erh, dark oolong, green varieties. But, only you decide: which variety to brew in it. We can say with confidence: using this product, you will 100% discover for yourself the amazing world of elite tea flavors and aromas, full of exquisite notes and shades, which has absorbed the energy and passionate character of the tea provinces of the Middle Kingdom.