For any variety of teapot, one must follow the proper technical procedures in operation: ## Lids: For the lid plate of a bright-finish large body, it is required that the lid plate and the large body fit together perfectly. To achieve this, one must master the proper operational methods when shaping the large body and the lid plate. The correct method should be: after turning the outer layer of the large body, one must first shape the large body; then turn the second layer. One must not shape the large body after turning the second layer. The lid plate piece should have its small surface against the wheel. When shaping the lid plate, one must not damage the dimensions of the small surface, otherwise it will not fit properly with the large body. Each variety has its own characteristics. One should understand the characteristics of each variety and adopt necessary measures according to these characteristics: Why must the interior of the lid's mouth opening be made in a stepped style? This is because the diameter of the xu piece is smaller than the diameter of the mouth opening. To avoid making the xu piece too thin, or digging through the xu piece, a stepped treatment is adopted to increase strength. (Figure 1) Applying zi ni clay inside the lid's mouth opening serves two purposes: first, for reinforcement; second, for regularity, and to provide a transitional function. Generally, the base of the mouth opening must not be less than 4 millimeters. When applying zi ni clay inside the mouth opening, be careful not to spread the zi ni clay onto the hand opening. (Figure 2) The stepped treatment method for the rim is to reduce weight. (Figure 3) For xu-style lids (such as "Grape and Vine"), after the lid plate piece is cut out, there are two corners (Figure 4-1). These two corners must not be cut away. For ordinary products, when attaching the mouth opening (attaching the mouth opening is trade jargon, meaning adhering the mouth opening to the teapot body), zi ni clay is used to fill and smooth the gap distance between the corners and the mouth opening (Figure 4-2). For high-grade products, one must first fill with zi ni clay, then place it in a standard mold and smooth it with a spatula knife (creating a slightly higher interior and lower exterior effect). However, the zi ni clay should not be applied too much—just enough to accommodate the mouth opening, to avoid having to remove excess zi ni clay in subsequent processes. --- [Page] 58