@Mark-S
Mark-S wrote: ↑Wed Jun 10, 2020 9:56 pm
That's my order of priority: clay quality, tea quality, water quality, design, workmanship, age.
Looking back at your comments and your order of priority, I can clearly see the underlining factors that drive your decision behind your purchases. Here's an interesting fact... artist/potter and workmanship plays a very important role in the final price of the teapot. Again, your order of priority is very normal and acceptable. Nothing wrong with it. Everyone have their own criteria. When I first started, price was my top priority. Don't even mention about clay quality or workmanship. Looking back, I still treasure my first pots. They are still standing in my cabinet. A humbling reminder of the starting point of my descend into the dark abyss... hahahahaha.....

- F1_Dragon_Pot.jpg (183.66 KiB) Viewed 1257 times
Aside from the shape, there is nothing that's clearly similar to the one you have. Allow me to share a little insight for so that we can all learn together. Here's my observation of the photo above, a side by side comparison between the ZAG pot and your pot. Your low priority score for workmanship explains your inability to place any importance in these small little aspects of workmanship (nothing wrong with this, it's a learning curve). It is in these intricate details where the money lies. I won't do a comparison of clay as both pots are not placed side by side. It won't be a fair and educated conclusion.
Don't get me wrong here, as long as your pot is not turning your oolong purple or into anything it's not meant to be, there is nothing wrong with your pot. PERIOD! It's always good to know what you have gotten yourself. Price wise, both pots are priced correctly based on their criteria displayed. Again, a lot of pots in Asia are also priced based on what I call the "collectability index" (if there's such a term)... hahahaha.... Asian Collectors have very specific criteria to what they consider collectible. FYI, Green Label F1 is not one of them (it's a good to know, but not a must have). I have to stress here, this is a collector's criteria. Not to be mistaken as a verification criteria (seen too many fake pots with authentic sticker, fake sticker on authentic pot and both fakes).
There you go, I believe this is not a mere "This is a crap pot" answer.... Do keep in mind, it's almost impossible to distinguish between 1979 and 1980.... That's why you will never get a precise date of origin for old zisha pots unless you do carbon dating.... Even the potter himself won't be able to tell you with 100% certainty.... hahahaha...
my 2cent's worth...
Cheers!!