Purple clay

Purple clay

　　Purple clay ore is a naturally unique mineral material, specifically an iron-rich clayey siltstone. In addition to purple clay, there are also green clay and red clay—these three types of clay are collectively known as purple clay. Besides being crafted from the three base clays individually, they can also be blended in varying ratios and fired under different temperatures and atmospheres, resulting in hues that are purple without garishness, red without gaudiness, black without dullness, resembling iron or stone, like gold or jade. A single vessel embodies refined elegance, and within its three dimensions lies a multitude of beauties. From a distance, its dark, fine texture resembles ancient bronze vessels displayed in a noble hall; upon closer inspection, it gleams brilliantly like exquisite jade radiating refined spirit. This is the vivid expression of purple clay’s color palette. If coarse raw or fired clay grit is mixed into the clay, or if glazed sand is adjusted or spread over it, the surface becomes textured with fine ridges and hidden bead-like grains, making it even more dazzling.