Since the Ming Dynasty, the manufacturing techniques and design concepts of purple clay pots have been inherited and developed for hundreds of years, forming many different shapes. These types can be broadly divided into four categories: round, square, flower, and ribbed.
First of all, the round ware is marked by the round and jade beads, the flesh and bones are even, the proportions are coordinated, the pang is Zhouzheng, the turning is round, and the timeless and durable is the symbol. It requires the proportions of the mouth, lid, body, mouth, handle, shoulder, and waist of the pot to be harmonious, with smooth lines, clear contours, and stable and solemn. Each piece of round ware must reflect the characteristics of the pearl round and jade, and maintain the symmetry and harmony of all parts. The mouth cover is uniform, and the rigidity and softness are commensurate. The direction of the lid of this type of pot can be changed freely, but it must be tightly matched to the spout, which has both geometric and ribbed shapes.
The square ware pays attention to the "square in the hidden circle", * on the basis of the crisp and flat surface, the pursuit of smooth lines, clear contours, stable and solemn. The square device not only requires the symmetry of the mouth, cover, body and mouth, but also emphasizes that "the square is round, the square seeks change, the mouth cover is uniform, and the rigidity and softness are commensurate". The direction of the lid of this type of pot can be changed freely, but it must be tightly matched to the spout, which has both geometric and ribbed shapes.
Flower ware is the form of various living objects in nature, and the shape of the vessel is designed into a vessel shape through artistic techniques. The rules of this type of pot are "derived from nature, higher than nature, the composition is moderately artistically exaggerated, and the chic style is emphasized". The flowers should be vivid and vivid, the composition should be concise, and the natural colors of purple sand mud should be skillfully used to enhance the artistic effect.
The ribbed ware is based on the shape of melon edges, petals, cloud water patterns and other elements observed in daily life. These pots seek variations in the shape of the side and bottom views, giving them a more appealing appearance. The rules of the ribbed device include "corresponding to the top and bottom, the body cover is the same, the body shape is harmonious, the proportion is accurate, the texture is clear, the depth is free, the light and dark are clear, and the configuration is reasonable".
These four types of purple clay ware represent the rich artistic tradition and style of purple clay pots, each with its own unique features that appeal to collectors and tea lovers. No matter what type of vessel it is, it reflects the exquisite craftsmanship and unique aesthetic value of the purple clay pot.