It's interesting to me that around my hometown and among friends and family, I'm the tea expert. Seriously, I know a decent amount. Yet every day I learn a little more, I really am learning just how little I know! When I first discovered TeaChat, I thought to myself, "Oh yes, Dinah. You know enough at this point that you'll be able to waltz in there with some decent insight and dazzle the TeaChatters with what you know!"
To be frank, I was pretty far off. I am totally out of my league! Everyone here is so impressive with the detailed knowledge they have that I am more than just humbled - I'm a bit embarrassed at my initial bravado.
So here I am, with a heaping serving of humble pie to ask for some help! (Wow, what an intro, right?) One of my favorite things about tea is the teaware. I'm not exactly in a financial situation that allows me to have much, but a trip to China to visit my brother yielded some affordable and fun pieces. Yet here's my issue... I know the basics of how to use these pieces (some typical tea sets with gaiwan and cups, one Yixing set I don't know any real details of, and a couple cute tea tables), but I don't know anything specific.
What recommendations do you all have regarding learning more about various teaware items? I am not just interested in the classic pieces, but I'd also love to hear more about some of the modern innovations that have been hitting the tea world.
Do you have any book suggestions? Websites? Specific types (or pieces, even) of teaware or other accessories that you would recommend?
And now, with my recent efforts to watch the entirety of Gilmore Girls again driving my rambling request, I look forward to hearing back and hopefully acquiring heaps of new knowledge!
Dec 14th, '11, 00:06
Posts: 38
Joined: Dec 12th, '11, 19:58
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Chico, CA
Contact:
Dinahsaur
Dec 14th, '11, 00:19
Posts: 20891
Joined: Apr 22nd, '06, 20:52
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Re: Learning the Basics about Teaware
I think we are all awestruck by other members knowledge, particularly in areas outside our comfort zone. I am admittedly Yixing-phobic, but know a fair amount about Japanese teaware ...
This is what is great about TC, there are knowledgable members on most any subject, be it tea or teaware. Most members seem to gravitate to and focus on certain aspects. It is hard to just be all over the map ... so to speak.
The different show off topics (most are stickied) will give you examples of a lot of different forms and styles.
At the end of the day, there is so much out there, you will likely need to find your focus or go broke very fast.
This is what is great about TC, there are knowledgable members on most any subject, be it tea or teaware. Most members seem to gravitate to and focus on certain aspects. It is hard to just be all over the map ... so to speak.
The different show off topics (most are stickied) will give you examples of a lot of different forms and styles.
At the end of the day, there is so much out there, you will likely need to find your focus or go broke very fast.
Re: Learning the Basics about Teaware
In terms of teaware you need to decide, what your overall stance is towards the teaware. Are you someone who wants to be a bit more traditional in the sense that you scoff at the idea of using Traditional Japanese pieces for Chinese, Korean, or Indian teas, or vice versa?
I am someone who would love to consider myself a bit more traditional, in fact I rarely cross pieces between nations in terms of nation of piece and nation of tea. Though I am not uber traditional, there are a few people who prefer to use the traditional teaware the locals would use to brew any type of tea. Then there are those that have no problem using kyusu's and yunomi's to brew Chinese or Indian teas.
In terms of modern teaware, I am not sure there are too many modern inovations in teaware that do not have some sort of root in a more traditional idea. Although these Inginuitea type tea-makers are quite interesting ( I do not own one myself). If you search for "The Leaf" an online tea magazine and look through their articles, there is an article about a cross between a yixing teapot and an Inginuitea type piece, in which based on the placement of your fingers you would either seal the "teapot" and prevent the liquid from pouring out the bottom (no spring/valve mechanism like the Inginuitea). Thats possible the most modern piece of ingenious teaware I can think of that is still somewhat traditional.
Teachat has possibly accumulated the largest variety of Teaware collectors in the English speaking world, which has some of the most varied and eclectic sets of teaware as a whole. Although we might be a bit skewed towards Japanese (there are a fair few Yixing collectors here too).
Check out some of the stickied topics in this forum for some eye candy.
I am someone who would love to consider myself a bit more traditional, in fact I rarely cross pieces between nations in terms of nation of piece and nation of tea. Though I am not uber traditional, there are a few people who prefer to use the traditional teaware the locals would use to brew any type of tea. Then there are those that have no problem using kyusu's and yunomi's to brew Chinese or Indian teas.
In terms of modern teaware, I am not sure there are too many modern inovations in teaware that do not have some sort of root in a more traditional idea. Although these Inginuitea type tea-makers are quite interesting ( I do not own one myself). If you search for "The Leaf" an online tea magazine and look through their articles, there is an article about a cross between a yixing teapot and an Inginuitea type piece, in which based on the placement of your fingers you would either seal the "teapot" and prevent the liquid from pouring out the bottom (no spring/valve mechanism like the Inginuitea). Thats possible the most modern piece of ingenious teaware I can think of that is still somewhat traditional.
Teachat has possibly accumulated the largest variety of Teaware collectors in the English speaking world, which has some of the most varied and eclectic sets of teaware as a whole. Although we might be a bit skewed towards Japanese (there are a fair few Yixing collectors here too).
Check out some of the stickied topics in this forum for some eye candy.
Dec 14th, '11, 00:44
Posts: 38
Joined: Dec 12th, '11, 19:58
Scrolling: scrolling
Location: Chico, CA
Contact:
Dinahsaur
Re: Learning the Basics about Teaware
I intended to head to bed, but ended up seeing your post first, Adam! I appreciate your insight! I've found that I'm not quite as particular about origin of tea with origin of teaware, but it's mostly been consistent out of a simple fact... I have primarily Chinese teas and Chinese teaware. So I guess it works out.
As far as more modern innovations, I was mostly thinking about things like the Breville one-touch tea maker and this type of item. It's clearly not as much use for a nice day where you sit and enjoy your tea, but is perfect for my sleepy mornings when all I want to do is wake up to a fresh cup (or pot) of tea. I don't actually have one as they're quite pricey, but you know.
Also, you might be interested in these nifty travel tumblers lined in Yixing clay. I got one for myself which I am just using for Oolong at this time and intend to get another for my Pu-Erh teas (of which I have a decent selection as my brother always seems to not have enough room for all the tea he brings home with him over the summer... it keeps accumulating!).
As far as more modern innovations, I was mostly thinking about things like the Breville one-touch tea maker and this type of item. It's clearly not as much use for a nice day where you sit and enjoy your tea, but is perfect for my sleepy mornings when all I want to do is wake up to a fresh cup (or pot) of tea. I don't actually have one as they're quite pricey, but you know.
Also, you might be interested in these nifty travel tumblers lined in Yixing clay. I got one for myself which I am just using for Oolong at this time and intend to get another for my Pu-Erh teas (of which I have a decent selection as my brother always seems to not have enough room for all the tea he brings home with him over the summer... it keeps accumulating!).