Article: "Authentic" Yixing Teapot: 3 Myths Debunked
"Authentic" Yixing Teapot: 3 Myths Debunked
Chasing authenticity has been and will always be the Number 1 priority for many buyers of Yixing teapots. While numerous resources offer technical insights into identifying authentic Yixing teapots, our focus here is to address some of the common misunderstandings and offer guidance that resonates with a wider audience.
Myth 1: Genuine Yixing clay has gone distinct and the market is just saturated with low-grade counterfeit with chemicals.
Let's address the elephant in the room first, it is well known that the Yixing city officials have banned all disorderly and unregulated mining of Zisha ore from the Huanglong Mountain to effectively preserve Yixing's unique mineral resource since 2005. However, Huanglong Mountain is only one of the many original Yixing clay mining area. As a matter of fact., there are plenty supply the from a larger geographic are called Tianmu Mountain mining zone shown in the photo below.
In addition, it’s no exaggeration to say that since the people of Yixing have been involved in the Zisha industry for generations, every household possesses reserves of Zisha clay from earlier times that can last for decades, even up to a hundred years.
However, the abundance of Zisha clay reserves does not mean that counterfeit chemical teapots don't exist. It's a matter of distinguishing between the genuine and the fake. As a rule of thumb, all self-acclaimed "authentic" Yixing teapots sold for $100 or less online generally fall into the category of "bad." Therefore, finding a trusted source for purchasing Yixing teapots is crucial.
Myth 2: Fully Handmade is better than half handmade.
The short answer is "it depends". First of all, it goes without saying that the "value" of a fully handmade Yixing teapot is unique as the shapes, charm, and the allure of the craftsmanship they convey are irreplaceable, each signified by the style of the potter. However, crafting a good half-handmade Yixing teapot are no easy tasks. These pots also require considerable skill to create and typically do not produce inferior results in tea tasting compared to fully handmade ones, nor do they look "uglier" than the latter.
Now comes the tricky part: although there are many educational articles and videos online that claim to teach you how to identify a half-handmade pot from a fully handmade one, the reality is that these methods are not always accurate. Without delving into excessive detail, here are two examples of traditional identification methods that can be misleading.
- If the interior of the teapot has no seam marks, it indicates that the teapot is not fully handmade.
The presence of seam marks used to be a key indicator in distinguishing fully handmade teapots. However, this still depends on the potter's habits. Some artisans, striving for meticulous craftsmanship, may clean up the seam marks very thoroughly. Additionally, today, some half-handmade teapots may intentionally create fake seams. This cannot be the sole criterion for determining whether a teapot is fully or half-handmade.
- If the teapot does not have a double-layered lid, it indicates that it is half-handmade.
It may sound like the end of the world for Yixing teapot lover at this point, but not necessarily. Unless you have a strong passion for fully handmade Yixing teapots and of course--and the budget to match--Most people should base their purchasing decisions on the teapot's overall design, decoration, and visible craftsmanship. As with Myth No.1, if you choose a reputable seller, you're not likely to be disappointed whether you end up with a fully handmade or half-handmade teapot.
Honestly, a half-handmade Yixing teapot hits the perfect balance of functionality, artistic value and cost, making it the ideal choice for most Yixing teapot consumers.
Myth 3: Yixing Artists' Ranks and Titles Mean Everything.
Ranks and titles are integral to many aspects of life, from business and academia to sports and social hierarchies. They typically signify one’s position, authority, and level of expertise.
When it comes to Yixing teapot artists, The title system consists of six levels. From highest to lowest, they are:
- Arts and Crafts Grand Master (工藝美術大師)
- Senior Arts and Craft Master (Researcher-level) (正高級工藝美術師)
- Senior Arts and Craft Master (高級工藝美術師),
- Arts and Craft Master (工藝美術師)
- Assistant Arts and Craft Master (助理工藝美術師)
- Arts and Craft Apprentice (工藝美術員).
Artists all have their seals stamped at the bottom of the teapots, indicating the author of a handmade piece of art.
The real question is: How important are the ranks and titles of Yixing Teapot masters to the average consumer?
It depends on what type of buyer you are:
- The most hardcore (or perhaps most wealthy) Yixing teapot collectors, who accept nothing less than museum-grade pieces, should likely focus on acquiring products from the most renowned Grand Masters.
- Alternatively, antique pot lovers or F1 enthusiasts may seek out teapots with seals that can be verified as authentic from past eras, granted it is very challenging to begin with which deserves a whole dedicated article to elaborate.
- Lastly, which is the vast majority of the modern pots seeker, it is normal for them to think that the teapot made by A, a Senior Arts and Craft Master, is superior to another one made by B, an Arts and Craft Master. However, this does NOT hold true. While higher-ranked artists may have more recognition, the craftsmanship of mid-level masters can be just as impressive. Actually, in most cases, the build quality between Level 2 and Level 4 masters is almost indistinguishable. Since the title and ranking system applies to both teapot making and decoration, which includes sculpting, painting etc., it's hard to think of any scenarios where we can definitively prefer the work of "official" higher ranked artists.
It should be noted that there are also many Yixing artists who don’t rely on ranks or titles, but rather let their skills speak for themselves. The teapots made by these skilled artists are not necessarily priced lower than those made by titled artists. In fact, some are even priced higher. This trend becomes even more pronounced with the younger generation of Yixing artists, who represent the future of the art of Yixing Zisha.
Think about it—do you really need to know who crafted an exquisite fine china teapot from Wedgwood or Herend? When you see its beauty, you recognize the craftsmanship. You know it’s the result of a talented team, from the art designer to the potter and painter.
Conclusions: "Seeing is believing"
So, what does AUTHENTIC Yixing teapots really mean -- to you? For average Yixing teapot lover, we recommend following the general guidelines below :
- Clay (泥) - Authentic means it has to be premium grade with additives level adhere to relevant regulations and standards. (Keep in mind, organic does not mean no pesticides.)
- Shape (形) - "Authentic" means it looks good. Either it is the iconic Xi Shi, Qin Quan etc., or the modern innovative variations, choose whatever appeals to you.
- Shape (工) - "Authentic" means handmade. Whether it is fully handmade or half handmade, it usually doesn't matter for most cases. It all depends on your priority and budget.
- Author (款) - "Authentic" means virtually nothing if not targeting specific renowned Grand Masters with a proven track record.
- Functionality (功) - "Authentic" means it is functionally sound, i.e., the pouring, heat retention, porosity, durability etc.
Yixing teapots are more than just a tool for enhancing your tea experience. It can also be a beautiful accessory that adds charm to your table or a cozy corner of your sweet home.
Hopefully this will help you find the one that feels "authentic" enough to you. Cheers.
Written by YANYOO Tea