Yixing quality check

[Hunster]

Hey all,

I picked up a used Yixing the other day but as I'm not so well versed in quality with Yixing, I thought I'd throw it out to get some feedback from the teachat members...

Was wondering if anyone could shed some light on if it's 'real', who the artist is based on the stamp, general quality, or any other info. Just curious really. It wasn't expensive, came with no box or paperwork... I boiled it to sterilise/season it which got rid of most of the stains... So would be great to get any extra info on it...

Attached a few pics showing the pot, inside and bottom... Outside is a Matt finish and feels a bit grainy... Inside there is a rough finish with slight brush marks which you can just about see in the pic. There's a stamp on the lid as well. Holds about 130ml...

Cheers!

[kyarazen]

Hey all,

I picked up a used Yixing the other day but as I'm not so well versed in quality with Yixing, I thought I'd throw it out to get some feedback from the teachat members...

Was wondering if anyone could shed some light on if it's 'real', who the artist is based on the stamp, general quality, or any other info. Just curious really. It wasn't expensive, came with no box or paperwork... I boiled it to sterilise/season it which got rid of most of the stains... So would be great to get any extra info on it...

Attached a few pics showing the pot, inside and bottom... Outside is a Matt finish and feels a bit grainy... Inside there is a rough finish with slight brush marks which you can just about see in the pic. There's a stamp on the lid as well. Holds about 130ml...

Cheers!

modern reproduction at an attempt of replicating a 60s pot ~

[kyarazen]

i've to add that there are many mistakes in this "reproduction", the lid design.. spout.. pot shape.. handle.. base.. etc.. with the most stark one being the seal..


but that said..

the clay material looks OK though, which means the pot should be usable for tea

[Hunster]

Thought as much, but it does seem useable to brew at least...

[ethan]

Ultimate quality check: using the pot w/ various teas. Perhaps you will find it will be very good for one.

[bagua7]

Also pour in boiling water to check for funky smells. If it yields one like hot sand/rock then it's usable for drinking tea...otherwise you may want to do this:

Hello, I'm tree.

[Hunster]

Thanks guys, it smells fine and is comfortable to hold... it may not be an antique but good enough to drink from... although I do like the idea of a bonsai growing out of it...

Looking into more Chinese pots over the year anyway, try get away from Gaiwan brews every time... clay can be more fun.

[jayinhk]

Clay teapots can improve rough teas, too, emphasize certain characteristics with better teas and are less likely to burn your fingers once you figure out how to hold them right!

[Hunster]

I have a nice collection of hagi-yaki and bizen for my Japanese teas which make all the difference for me... been neglecting my teas from China/Taiwan as far as teaware goes for a while though... am aiming to change that soon... I have a decent quality Xishi pot (Zini clay) on order for my ripe Pu-erh... 2016 is a bit more about enhancing my teaware for Oolong, Pu-erh and black teas...

[jayinhk]

Where'd you buy the xishi?

[Hunster]

cha-shifu... Seem pretty reliable from the artists... Will see/test once the pot arrives...

[jayinhk]

I'd suggest Essence of Tea to you if you want anymore. They've got some good older pots with decent clay for fair prices, and you'd be paying in GBP.

[Hunster]

I did look into them, but they didn't have anything I liked in stock... will keep an eye on them going forward though.