Thursday TeaDay 7/15/10 Bury, smash, plant, etc?

[JBaymore]

Chip,

Sorry to see the loss. You need a viewer warning thing about "PG for Violence" on the thread.

Were you to attempt a repair, the one with the break going into the apex of the curve at the narrowest point likely would not be very structurally sound. The break is in the area of maximum stress on the handle. Handling that in use after the repair, suspended over other nice teawares would be an act of superior braveness and aplomb.

The other one might be more useable after a repair since the break is back further in the handle.

If they have significant "sentimental value" beyond being nice to use, then I'd repair them and put them on a shelf.

Forgive me for being "frank" or "blunt" here ...... but neither of them looks to be expensive pieces. (I define a more expensive kuysu as maybe in at least the $250-$500 range.) So if there is not the sentimental attachment factor, accept that ceramics are breakable, that you have likely had much enjoyment out of them over the time you had them, and move on.

It gives you an excuse to look at some new kyusu .

best,

............john

PS: And you should take Geekgirl up on her "use them to learn on" idea if she really is serious about learning to do urushi repairs from a museum curator type.

[Chip]

You are correct John in that they were not so expensive, the Momiji was purchased for around $30 from O-Cha. The Kikumaru was purchased from Rishi for around $55.

Neither are artisan, yet both have a value to me and have served me well. The Kikumaru I have had for I am guessing 4 years and was my first sasame screened kyusu.

The Momiji (Japanese Maple) one is ... well it is Momiji and I have a thing for Momiji in teaware and in general. It is just an inexpensive, glazed kyusu that pours lightning fast.

I liken the situation to Barbaro, the race horse with the broken leg that should have been put down as is customary. My very first Kyusu had a broken handle during this whole episode. I knew it was futile, and it was a real piece of crap (unlike Barbaro), but it was my first kyusu and one of only two I had at a time when Kyusu were NOT readily available.

I went to extremes trying to salvage it, but the handle could not take the pressure of use. I finally "retired" it when kyusu were more available. TBH, I felt relief. I was acutely aware of the extreme damage each time I looked at it or touched it.

From a structural stress load point of view, the handle is the worst place to have a break. Repair is very difficult as John indicates. Figure the whole weight of the Kyusu and its contents are riding on a repaired handle?!? Then you are pushing down with your thumb (usually) to hold the lid in place. All the while this hangs over one's teacup(s), etc.

Pretty scarey proposition.

TeaDay began with Kirameki asamushi shincha from the O-C. Though SweeTea was present, the Kyusu breaking felines were not!

[Geekgirl]

Yes please! Broken teawares for me! I really am serious about learning the art, and am working on tracking down possible sources of training/information. Looks like my nearest and best lead will be Seattle. I'm there're frequently for workshops, so it seems like it may actually be possible.

[Chip]

Yes please! Broken teawares for me! I really am serious about learning the art, and am working on tracking down possible sources of training/information. Looks like my nearest and best lead will be Seattle. I'm there're frequently for workshops, so it seems like it may actually be possible.

Hmm, got a Deishi loquat Chawan over a year ago, seems crazy delicate. And to prove it, when I put it on a shelf one day, I ever so barely bumped it against the wood, it made a dull thunk, a sure sign I broke it. Turns out it was the tiniest of chips (not all chips are good ) on the side which has bugged me ever since. Soooo ...

I had contemplated even taking it to a jeweler for a tiny gold repair, but figured I would wait for a better opp. I mean the chip is tiny, but is amazing how that can bug me.

[Victoria]

Cui Yu From Camellia Sinensis in my cup this afternoon.
This may be my pic of Spring 2010 oolongs, Shhhhshhh!



Then again, I like the idea of - "Put them "away" and let the kids deal with them when I am gone" - mark the box "Chips", in the back of the attic.


.

[Katy1977]

I voted for reconstructive surgery and then planting daisies in them, but after reading from Chip how it's hard to repair the handles I'm thinking just planting some nice flowers in them. Otherwise, if you do repair them and it doesn't work, the whole things might just smash into pieces!

Katy1977

[nickE]

Had an extended session of 8582 inspired by Shogun raving about it.
It is good, better than I remembered. Definitely a solid recipe, develops quite nicely during the session.

Fukamushi Yame later today I'm sure, been craving it.

[debunix]

Today I have broken no teaware, a very good thing.

I have just finished off my second thermos full of the 2007 White Bud Sheng Puerh from Norbu (a private production cake which is now sold out). This was a typical thermos brewing--working with the kamjove 'gongfu art' brewing thingie, flash rinse, starting brewing with water even before it quite hit boiling, having to stop and start several times over an hour and half as other work kept pulling me out of the office, and finally ending up with a brilliant thermos of tea, subtly smoky, sweet, with a warm background of caramel. Just soothing and calming and oh so good. And as is usual for this tea, a little went a long way--maybe 5 grams-8 grams for a 1 quart thermos full, then resteeped for a second full batch. Fortunately, I have several more beengs of this in reserve. Heh. And that after a nice shincha start.

I am torn between trying for another thermos full or switching to something else......dilemmas, dilemmas!

[entropyembrace]

earl grey after lunch today...and now in the evening a new tea! I just ran to my fav local tea house to pick up a tin of something...I ended picking the 2nd flush Bukhial Estate Assam...I really liked it a lot last year.

[murrius]

The Kikumaru was purchased from Rishi for around $55....
The Kikumaru I have had for I am guessing 4 years and was my first sasame screened kyusu.

I experienced a pang of loss when I saw your broken Kikumaru. I also lost a Kikamaru to a similar fate with a shattered handle. Can't blame the cats though; it as me

[Robert Fornell]

+1 JB