Inge Nielsen

[David]

Welcome!

The question I always want to ask a potter is about the selection of the clay used to make teaware. The interaction between rough clay and tea is so important and it's nearly impossible to have this kind of info when one buys a teapot on internet or in a shop.

[JMB]

Welcome

[Inge]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone!

David, your question is also my concern. Unfortunately, those of us who are not hobby geologists are limited to the commercially available clays. When I returned from Taiwan I really wanted to find a clay that would feel, look and "taste" like the one we used in Taiwan. I still haven't found it. Part of the reason is that the iron rich clays often don't look their best in a neutral (oxidised) atmosphere. To get that tanned dark look in oxidation you need a high natural iron content, but iron weakens the body and hence you cannot fire to medium or high stoneware temperature. Many red and dark clays have max temp of 1150-1200 degrees. Those that fire higher will normally have toxic oxides added - chrome, manganese and cobalt. You don't want that in your cup!

What I have found works for the moment for me is to take a local iron rich clay from Wallonia (about 5%, max 1250 degrees) and blend it with a lower iron clay that can fire to 1280. That way I have a strong body with a manila-ish tan. Grog content is about 10%, small to medium grains. This seems to work for most wulongs and pu'er, though I should quickly add that I am not a pu'er drinker (but I have had testimonies from some initiated to the joy of pu'er ).

It is an ongoing quest, though, to find a good clay.

What's your experience with different clays for tea drinking purposes?

[Kissaki]

Welcome Inge!

[Étienne]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone!

David, your question is also my concern. Unfortunately, those of us who are not hobby geologists are limited to the commercially available clays. When I returned from Taiwan I really wanted to find a clay that would feel, look and "taste" like the one we used in Taiwan. I still haven't found it. Part of the reason is that the iron rich clays often don't look their best in a neutral (oxidised) atmosphere. To get that tanned dark look in oxidation you need a high natural iron content, but iron weakens the body and hence you cannot fire to medium or high stoneware temperature. Many red and dark clays have max temp of 1150-1200 degrees. Those that fire higher will normally have toxic oxides added - chrome, manganese and cobalt. You don't want that in your cup!

What I have found works for the moment for me is to take a local iron rich clay from Wallonia (about 5%, max 1250 degrees) and blend it with a lower iron clay that can fire to 1280. That way I have a strong body with a manila-ish tan. Grog content is about 10%, small to medium grains. This seems to work for most wulongs and pu'er, though I should quickly add that I am not a pu'er drinker (but I have had testimonies from some initiated to the joy of pu'er ).

It is an ongoing quest, though, to find a good clay.

What's your experience with different clays for tea drinking purposes?

Thanks a lot for these precious info! It's already much, much more than anything we can usualy find.

[Irène]

Welcome Inge !

[Jérôme]

Bonjour Inge. Welcome to the FAT and happy to see you there!

[Lionel]

Welcome Inge !
Nice to read you here.

[Sébastien]

Bienvenue !

[David]

Thanks. As Étienne said, it's already much more than anyone could find on the internet. This shows that you care and you search which is more than the majority of potters available via standard shops.

What's your experience with different clays for tea drinking purposes?

I for myself love porcelain, I'm more hunting for the right leaves rather than the right clay. But good quality porcelain is also very important.

I do use clay for Japanese teas, teenage to old puerh and roasted oolong. For Japanese teas, I love to use both oxidation and reduction clays (mostly Tokoname from Yamada So), and I tend to prefer zini-like clays for puerh and roasted oolong. I really don't use clay often for green oolong but when I do, I prefer harder red clays.

[Inge]

Thanks. As Étienne said, it's already much more than anyone could find on the internet. This shows that you care and you search which is more than the majority of potters available via standard shops.

Thanks a lot for these precious info! It's already much, much more than anything we can usualy find.

Hello everyone
You're most welcome. I am not at all an expert (more of a novice), but I am happy to share what little I know.

Inge

[Niva]

Hi Inge, welcome here

[Inge]

I just got the results of the 6th International Golden Teapot competition and exhibition in Yingge, Taiwan. No surprises for me, but was TRULY GREAT to participate! Here is a shot of one of my two admitted pots sitting among the many gems submitted. The exhibition lasts till mid-December. The Taiwanese magazine 陶艺 will carry a full photo report of the awards - I am really looking forward to seeing that.

Also attached FYI, a list of the awarded artists.

[Kissaki]

[Lionel]

Congratulations Inge !