authenticity

[MadeForTeaVea]

Thanks JBaymore for all your info. I do feel a bit better about the subject now.

That was the reason I commented because I wanted to know if there was any validity in the claims that I have heard/read about before.

Also, I'm an art student at university now. Well actually Liberal Studies (creative writing/art history/art studio) ceramics are not my strong point. I have much respect for those who have mastered the craft. Anyone who has taken a ceramics class knows the struggle.

Thanks again

[britt]

I'd be more concerned about any non-ceramic additives that are used to treat a piece to fake the quality or to fake the antiquity than any actual fired ceramic products.

Thanks for another very good explanation.

I think this is the main point that may be misunderstood by those unfamiliar with the subject. The price of the pot or whether the clay is truly Yixing doesn't necessarily make the pot unsafe. Additives to alter the appearance of the clay or the perceived age of the pot may be a cause for concern. I have used cheaper Taiwanese pots made from native clay without any hesitation or regrets. On the contrary, I have trashed all of the cheaper "Yixings" that I started out with. This is where I think using a trusted vendor makes sense, even if the price is a bit higher.

[tortoise]

Wow. You guys are super helpful...and thorough! Thanks for your responses --all of 'em. I will be hanging around here for sure.