Yixing

[steanze]

You can use kintsugi to fix hairline cracks?

Yes

[steanze]

I have also developed a very fine hairline crack (from rim to mid body) on an old pot that is very special and that I only used a few times. Bummed. Staring at it an wondering how to proceed

Sounds like kintsugi is in order

[Bok]

gradiva The happy family, minus 3, that will be joining soon.

Impressive line up for a starter kit!
Nice haul!

[Bok]

You can use kintsugi to fix hairline cracks?

Yes

Although I'd caution that for body-hairline cracks, staples are the safer and more permanent option.

[TeaTotaling]

steanze Thank you! I am meaning, do you know it's true potential right out of the gates, or does it take time to acclimate. I wasn't sure if the age, and how long the pot has been lying dormant, made any difference up front. For instance in my above picture, the Lao Zini pot, second from the top, currently has the most profound affect on plain, boiled water, compared to the others. I know Zini tends to be more porous, but I currently notice a distinct difference between the modern Zini I mentioned, and the LQ/ER Zini, with respect to noticeable affect. Understanding the Zhuni can act more like porcelain, and the Hongni being less pronounced than Zini overall. I even notice the aforementioned Zini currently muting more than the pictured Duanni.

I guess, many factors, as you have mentioned before, all work together to play a defining role. Like clay purity, blending, craftsmanship, studio, and firing, among others.

I am very careful to ease these old pots into use. Definitely not hitting it with any hot water right out of the gates. Thanks for the word of caution, better not to learn the hard way, but rather the smart way.

It's been fun diving in, experimenting, and testing the waters thus far. I am excited to grow these pots over time!

Welcome! There are different kinds of zini. Also, there are differences between how the clay was processed and fired during Qing and ROC, and how it is usually processed and fired for modern pots. Enjoy the fun!!!

Understood, very good. From your experience, what characteristics stand out to you when brewing in Qing and ROC Zini?

Enjoying the clay, tea, and conversation!!

[TeaTotaling]

gradiva The happy family, minus 3, that will be joining soon.

Impressive line up for a starter kit!
Nice haul!

Starter kit with big plans to be the lifer kit. Thank you for helping me narrow it down!

[Bok]

Starter kit with big plans to be the lifer kit. Thank you for helping me narrow it down!

That is what you think... it is addictive. You're far from done

[TeaTotaling]

Starter kit with big plans to be the lifer kit. Thank you for helping me narrow it down!

That is what you think... it is addictive. You're far from done

That pesky thought was in the back of my mind Done for the foreseeable future, time to work on seasoning and savoring.

[Balthazar]

You can use kintsugi to fix hairline cracks?

Yes

Although I'd caution that for body-hairline cracks, staples are the safer and more permanent option.

Seems like @Victoria will need to track down this guy.

Sorry to hear about hairlines folks! I haven't had this unfortunate experience myself yet (in fact if anything my hairlines seem to be receding ~ba dum tss~), but then again I have no pots from earlier than green label era. In winter when it's cold inside I preheat my pots with warm tap water (it will reach 65-70 degrees Celsius)

[Balthazar]

Starter kit with big plans to be the lifer kit. Thank you for helping me narrow it down!

That is what you think... it is addictive. You're far from done

That pesky thought was in the back of my mind Done for the foreseeable future, time to work on seasoning and savoring.

You will know you have reached a truly bad place when you secretly welcome global pandemics and mass unemployment, as they increase the possibility that at least some collectors in your country will be laid off and possibly forced to sell parts of their collection at fire-sale prices.

That's why I stay away from the truly old stuff. It would destroy my soul in a heartbeat

[Mark-S]

@Bok
@steanze

Thanks

@Balthazar

The hairline cracks on my pots are from firing. I also got 2 green label pots with a hairline crack.

[.m.]

@Mark-S
Buying old pots that already have a hairline crack saves a lot of money and all the trauma of the pot cracking.

[DailyTX]

Sounds painful to see a pot developing hairline. I had a similar situation, I wonder if you are still using that pot? If you are, has the hairline grew? I am a bit hesitant to use the pot due to worrying the hairline may expand.

I recommend kintsugi before using the pot more

@steanze
Thanks for the advice, I am glad I have put the pot on the shelf since I learned about the hairline.

[DailyTX]

Bok
steanze

Thanks

Balthazar

The hairline cracks on my pots are from firing. I also got 2 green label pots with a hairline crack.

@Mark-S
Firing defects maybe different from having a hairline caused by things like thermal shock. For firing defects, I think it should not be too big of a problem.

[Mark-S]

Mark-S
Buying old pots that already have a hairline crack saves a lot of money and all the trauma of the pot cracking.

True

@DailyTX

Oh, okay, good to know.

@Bok

You said that "black bone" would look like this: viewtopic.php?p=23814#p23814

What would you call this then (not as black but still dark)? And no it's not dirt. I cleaned it myself with Sodium Percarbonate to be sure. I have seen many modern pots with cracks and these cracks had almost the same color as the body/lid. With this pot it's different... could I ask you why? The clay looks common from the outside. I think it's a F1 pot so that would rule out wood firing (and black bone).