Misconceptions About Fully Handmade vs. Half Handmade Purple Clay Teapots
First Misconception:
The same clay produces the same result whether fully or half handmade.
Not true.
With the same clay, a fully handmade teapot has better surface luster, what masters call "water finish." The better the clay, the more it demands skilled full-hand work to bring out its best. Why? Because full-hand work involves repeated application of a polishing tool 明针 over the body, far more times than in half handmade processes.
Second Misconception:
There’s no difference in how they develop patina over time.
Not true.
While the tea brewed tastes the same, the patina that develops is noticeably better on fully handmade pots.
Beyond the polishing factor, full-hand forming by beating creates a "mud door" (clay structure) that is compact on the outside but looser inside, improving breathability and absorption of tea essences. Half handmade pots are uniformly compact throughout，they do develop patina, but not to the same degree.
Third Misconception:
Every fully handmade teapot has collectible value.
False. Only well-executed ones do，otherwise, a good half handmade pot is superior. Some full-hand pieces are poorly made and visually unappealing, lacking even aesthetic value, let alone collectible worth.
written by Siyutao art team
