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Very different clay used on those, compared to mine. Looks like nice clay, nonetheless.

.m. wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 15, 2018 3:37 pm

Yes, orchid. The other three are plum blossom, bamboo and chrysanthemum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Gentlemen).

Thanks! Mine is the first Ive seen that has the extra items below the orchid. I'm guessing it's supposed to be rocks and grass?

Pot #4: 90ml Can anyone confirm which plant the engraving is supposed to be? An orchid? https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/896/42732212702_3bdc2630f6_c.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1742/42732213852_6bf44524c6_c.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1756/42732216242_9b1ff06288_c.jpg https://c1.staticflic...

Billy Moods' article here is a classic source of information on Yixing for the English speaking world. The entire thing is worth reading, but in particular the two sections "THE ZISHA PARTICLES" and "PROCESSING OF ZISHA CLAY" really speak to the discussion in this thread.

How would type kiln effect or change the performance of the pot? (Too bad this is an experiment I can’t really do as I don’t have pots that only differ in the kiln in which they were fired I don't have the pottery knowledge to give you a truly academic answer, but the two big things I can think of ...

I was just using zini as an umbrella term. To my eye it looks like a sandy QSN.

I wish I could do a "big reveal" and say the true answers, but I'll wait for some experts to weigh in and confirm what I think. Both pot 1 and 2 feel authentic to me in person, but it doesn't mean they are. As for background, pot #1 was found in an antique shop in Kauai, Hawaii being sold as a "Soy ...

Personally, I don't subscribe to a rule about older clay always being better, but there are some considerations people have not mentioned yet. I may have my time periods or years off, so please correct me if I'm mistaken: 1) Clay Processing : Prior to ROC period most clay was crushed and processed b...

Brent D wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:34 pm

First one looks legit.
Second one is bogus

You sound pretty sure. Can you tell us what details lead you to those conclusions? I'm always trying to learn.

I'm going to say repro, based on the messy stamp. I could be wrong :) I'm trying to learn more about the stamps/chops myself lately. When you say "messy" are you referring to the fact that the outer border of the stamp is connected to the inner border with irregularly shaped blotches? I found a sta...

Pot #2 Let's stick with Xian Piao shape. This one is 105ml zisha. "Shi Xiao-Ma" stamp under lid. It's a single hole, but I installed a custom silver strainer. This is is the only pot in my collection that I've ever dropped and broken, so the handle is JB Welded back together. :( I might spring for k...

All Yixing clays have a certain amount of iron in them, I believe. When there's enough to form a visible shiny black dot on the clay, I guess some might consider that an "impurity" and therefore not as good as early F1 pots that did not show black dots. That being said, I have several pots withe the...

Time for a fun Yixing identification game... I've bought a good number of teapots over the years from reliable sources, as well as Chinatown shops, antique shops, and internet markets. I'll post a new one each day, and folks can debate if it's an authentic Factory 1-5 pot, or a reproduction. [Edit: ...

Look what I noticed on page 84 of the Global Tea Hut magazine on Yixing...

Chadrinkincat wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 09, 2018 6:50 pm

Orderly teapot porn! Why so many of the same size?

Mostly just an investment, though a couple will undoubtedly make it in to my personal collection. The size, shape, clay, and firing make these pretty excellent for a wide range of teas.