Welcome to the world of the perfect growing vessels for orchids and all growing plants.
Purple Clay is the English translation for "zi sha", the Chinese name for the unique stoneware clay found only in Yixing, China.
It has been mined since the Ming Dynasty, 14th Century, and noted as the material for the famous Yixing tea pots.
Purple clay comes in three natural colors: red, yellow and purple. And it's noted for its color, texture and natural porosity.
And most importantly, Purple Clay is a stoneware clay. Fired to 2200° F, it is stronger and more durable than the finest terra cotta clay.
Our planters have a unique surface. After the pot is thrown, a thin coating of clay slip is painted onto the outside. The surface is then burnished before the pot is fired in a kiln. Unlike a glaze, which is a kind of glass that seals the pot, our burnished surface takes advantage of purple clay's natural porosity thus allowing the planter to breathe better. This technique also enhances the color and gives each planter its unique surface.
Purple Clay planters are ideal containers for orchids. Thanks to the natural porosity of the clay and due to the hand carved decorative openings in our planters, the roots of orchids are exposed to the air and sunlight crucial for epiphytes. Purple Clay planters are superior containers for delicate root systems.
All of our planters are wheel thrown and hand made by skilled potters. On the underside of each planter a stamp or 'chop' is pressed into the clay. These marks are the names of the artisans who worked on the pot. In keeping with historic traditions, beautiful purple clay unites the designer, the artist and the poet. Look for our stamp of quality: PURPLE CLAY U
