Prologue: A thousand-year-old inheritance at your fingertips - into the world of purple clay pots
An excellent purple clay pot not only needs high-quality raw ore sand, but also inseparable from complex and meticulous production processes and sophisticated tools. This article will lead readers to explore the workbench of the purple clay pot craftsman, analyze the whole process from material selection to pot formation in detail, and appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship and unique tools hidden behind the body of the pot. 
1. Prelude to pot making: the secret of selecting sand and refining mud1.The selection of raw ore sand is the raw material of the purple sand pot** in the unique Huanglongshan mining area of Yixing, including vermilion mud, purple mud, duan mud and other sand materials. Craftsmen need to choose the most suitable raw materials according to the characteristics, color and plasticity of the sand, which is the first step in the production of purple clay pots, and it is also the key to determine the texture and functionality of the pot. 2.After weathering, crushing, screening and blending, the sand in the mud refining process enters the mud refining process. Through repeated beating, rubbing, and staleness, the sand particles are evenly distributed, and the viscosity and plasticity of the mud are increased for subsequent molding. During this process, the pot maker uses his extensive experience to adjust the humidity and hardness of the clay to achieve the best possible production condition. 
2. Detailed explanation of pot-making tools: the art of shaping1.Basic Tools Highlights Beat: Used to pat the clay slices to make them evenly thick, and can also be used to shape the body of the pot. Wheels: The basic tools for making cylindrical parts, such as the body, spout, and handle. Bamboo knives, horn knives, iron-tipped knives: all kinds of carving knives, used to trim the details of the body and carve decorative patterns. Molds and tools: Some pot types are made with mold assistance, and tools are used to shape the spout, bottom foot and other parts. 2.Advanced tools and their applications Ming needle: also known as "horn thin" or "needle", used for the surface of the body of the pot to refine, so that the surface of the mud is as smooth as a mirror. Twist and strangle: It is specially used to deal with the inner wall and bottom of the pot to ensure both internal and external repair, and improve the practicability and beauty of the pot body. Clay Twisting Tools: For the special texture effect of the grinder pot, the craftsman also uses a variety of mixing clay materials and special tools to create a variety of colorful patterns. 
3. Process decryption: the birth process of a purple clay pot1.Design Concept and Cutting Clay Pot Makers: Before starting to work, they must first design the pot shape according to the concept, and then cut the appropriate clay chips and mud strips according to the design. 2.Hand forming body cylinder method: suitable for round pot body, by patting the clay piece, socket forming, and then trimming with tools. Setting method: For non-round or complex shapes, each part is cut and spliced together, and then glued with mud. 3.Decoration and trimmingAfter the body of the pot is basically formed, the craftsman will carry out artistic processing such as carving decoration, appliqué, hollowing, etc., and use bright needles to repeatedly polish the surface of the pot body to make it smooth and delicate. 4.After the assembly and firing of the various parts of the pot body, the spout, handle and lid are installed in place one by one, and the overall coordination of the pot is ensured through fine-tuning. Finally, the finished green billet is sent to the kiln for firing, and after high temperature training, the purple clay pot can show the final color and texture. 5.The successful purple clay pot needs to be soaked and wiped for a period of time, so that the tea juice can be fully absorbed inside and outside the pot to form a pulp, so as to enhance its ornamental value and use experience. 4. Conclusion: The heart of the craftsman, the rhyme of the sand potBehind each glittering purple clay pot is the persistent pursuit of skills and the deep awe of traditional culture of the pot makers. Only by in-depth understanding and mastery of this ancient and innovative craft can we truly understand the charm of the purple clay pot. Let us pay tribute to those craftsmen who stick to the front line of pot making, who continue to write the legendary chapter of Chinese tea ceremony culture with their skillful hands and exquisite purple clay pots.