In recent years, Jian Zhan has become increasingly popular among tea enthusiasts. Faced with the wide variety of Jian Zhan on the market, how should one choose? When purchasing, we need to consider various aspects such as price, quality, shape, and glaze color to avoid being deceived. Then, based on personal aesthetic preferences, we can make a choice, taking into account the reputation of the craftsman and the credibility of the purchasing platform. Here are some tips on how to choose Jian Zhan:
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1. Set Your Expectations
Before purchasing Jian Zhan, it’s important to know your expectations. First, understand the purpose of buying the tea bowl: is it for daily use or long-term collection? What shape do you prefer? What size do you need? Determine your goal before making a choice. Second, set a budget. Have a price range in mind, not aiming for the highest price nor being tempted by the cheapest options. Establish a price benchmark.
2. Authenticate the Jian Zhan
As a beginner, when choosing Jian Zhan, you must verify if the bowl has an iron body. You can judge by the color: Jian Zhan’s body is relatively thick and rough, appearing black or dark grey, with a deep tone. You can also identify by sound; gently tap the bowl and listen for a metallic sound. There are various ways to authenticate, requiring knowledge from the tea enthusiast themselves.
3. Examine the Shape and Glaze Color
The shapes of Jian Zhan on the market can be broadly categorized into four types: the dignified and elegant bunched-mouth cup, the evenly spread and erect flared-mouth cup, the rounded and petite inward-tilted cup, and the bold and spacious open-mouth cup. There are also various sizes; for daily use, medium to small sizes are common, but the choice of shape depends on personal preference. Jian Zhan glaze colors are diverse and can be classified into five main types: hare’s fur glaze, oil spot glaze, black gold glaze, variegated glaze, and miscellaneous glaze. Choose the one that catches your eye.
4. Select a Reliable Brand
With the booming Jian Zhan market, many unscrupulous merchants are selling counterfeit imitations for profit. Therefore, choosing a trustworthy and reliable brand is crucial. Look at the brand’s reputation and reviews, or check if they have signed authorization certificates with their collaborating masters.
