Jianzhan, as a splendid part of China’s intangible cultural heritage, has only recently come back into the public eye and become a new favorite on modern tea tables. So, when we get a Jianzhan, how do we judge its quality? Here are four tips to help you:
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First, Look at the Body Material
The clay used for Jianzhan, also known as iron clay, has a high iron content. It is usually dark gray or deep brown, with a thick, rough, and sturdy body. The body feels heavy and hard, and when gently tapped, it produces a sound similar to metal colliding. This clay can only be sourced from the Shuiji area of Jianyang, so understanding the body material is crucial to determining the origin of the Jianzhan.
Second, Look at the Shape
Jianzhan shapes can be categorized into four main types: flared mouth, slanted mouth, closed mouth, and constricted mouth. Regardless of the shape, a good Jianzhan should not have obvious flaws or cracks, and the shape should be regular. To check if the shape is regular, you can turn the cup upside down on a flat surface and see if it wobbles. If it does, it means the shape is deformed and it cannot be considered a fine piece.
Third, Look at the Glaze
Jianzhan usually features a thick iron glaze with a glossy and rich texture. The glaze at the base should be a deep black without any impurities. Good glaze should not stick to the kiln or the holder, should not bubble, bulge, have pinholes, shrink, or have uneven color distribution. However, due to the unique craftsmanship of Jianzhan, perfection is rare; the fewer flaws, the better.
Fourth, Look at the Patterns
Each Jianzhan’s pattern is unique, but there are commonalities in what makes them beautiful. For example, in rabbit-hair patterns, the beauty lies in their long, fine, and three-dimensional appearance. For oil-drop Jianzhan, look for full, clear spots of varying sizes, evenly distributed inside and outside the cup, with spots all the way up to the rim for the highest quality.
By judging Jianzhan from these four aspects, you should have a good understanding of their quality before making a purchase. Hopefully, these tips will help you select your favorite high-quality Jianzhan!
