【Ming Lu】200cc, Xiekeqing Clay, by Chen Jia-Huan, National Aided Craftsman.

Xiekeqing Clay is a type of Lao Duan clay, classified as a top-grade material within the Qing Duan category. It exhibits a color reminiscent of crab shells, showcasing durability and an extraordinary charm. Speaking of Lao Duan clay, we differentiate it based on its clay properties. As mentioned in the "Yangxian Teapot Series," Lao Duan clay originates from Tuan Mountain, where the clay exhibits a starry appearance, resembling white sand pearls. Professional analysis of Lao Duan clay suggests that it is buried at greater depths, found in the lower part of the Zini clay layer, sometimes interspersed within the Zini clay. Its external appearance is greenish-blue, close to dark green, or grey-brown in color. It is denser and harder in texture compared to other Duan clay types, with a higher iron content, approximately around 5%, while other Duan clay types typically contain iron levels between 1-3%. Its hardness makes it more resistant to high temperatures, resulting in a darker hue, ranging from yellow-brown, grey-brown, to green-brown as the three basic color tones. For instance, Xiekeqing showcases a predominant green hue, with hints of golden sand and evenly distributed black particles, exhibiting clear texture and rich sandy feel. Many artificially created green shades available in the market lack the natural layered color and texture of authentic clay. They appear lighter and lack the distinct distribution of characteristic black particles. Lao Duan clay, including Xiekeqing, is relatively more challenging to nurture. Some may become dirtier with prolonged use. However, those that exhibit the true color of Xiekeqing, transforming into a splendid metallic texture during nurturing, are indeed rare and worth acquiring. It is suitable for various tea types, especially aging white tea and raw tea. 【Frequently Asked Questions - QA】 1. How should I prepare the teapot before using it? Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly, preferably using a vegetable sponge. Avoid using chemical agents. Simply rinsing with water will suffice. 2. How should I nurture the teapot? During and after use, keep it clean and dry to prevent tea stains. After each use, place it in a well-ventilated area. If you plan to store it for an extended period, allow it to air dry naturally for 1-2 months to ensure proper evaporation of moisture from the fine pores. Otherwise, it may develop mold. 3. How can I remove tea stains or deal with mold? Soak the teapot in an enzyme solution to remove tea stains or treat mold. 4. How should I warm the teapot correctly? In cold weather or when the teapot has not been used for an extended period, use 40°C warm water to rinse the interior and exterior of the teapot, and then fill it with water, allowing the purple clay to absorb moisture through its pores. 5. How should I maintain teapots with engravings or carvings? For teapots with engravings or carvings, it is recommended to use a brush for cleaning. 6. What should I do if the teapot arrives damaged during shipping? The responsibility for safe delivery lies with Yandi Earth Art. If your teapot arrives damaged, please contact customer service immediately. 7. Do the products available in the online store and physical stores have the same inventory? Our online store and physical stores synchronize their sales. However, please inquire about the availability of specific items before making a purchase, as our handcrafted products have limited availability.