Purple clay pottery is generally categorized by commercial value into three major types: coarse goods, fine goods, and handicrafts (including artworks).
Coarse goods refer to practical purple clay vessels made with less refined materials, simple techniques, and easy production, resulting in low prices. They are primarily used in teahouses in the Jiangnan region and by ordinary urban and rural households.
Fine goods denote mid-range practical purple clay items crafted from carefully selected materials with strict techniques and moderate pricing. Their makers are mostly skilled artisans who mainly replicate traditional designs, demonstrating a certain level of craftsmanship.
Handicrafts (including artworks) are high-end practical purple clay vessels and decorative pieces made from premium materials, meticulously crafted with expert skills, and possessing unique aesthetic value. Most of these are innovative works handcrafted by renowned artisans.
Purple clay pottery can also be classified by form and function into categories such as purple clay teapots, flowerpots, vases, tea sets, stationery, tableware, smoking sets, sculptures, decorative items, and wall ornaments. Among these, purple clay teapots, flowerpots, and sculptures represent the mainstream of purple clay art.
