Hong Kong Museum of Teaware (Picture Heavy)

[Chip]

My Favorite place in Hong Kong.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rNl5VRNLz_s/S ... G_8609.jpg

That place is really stylin' ... be careful not to stare too long while there or you too may turn to stone!

[teaisme]

thanks ! great pics, makes me wish I was more interested in tea back when I lived there.

The menu, although it's HKD, still makes me roll my eyes

Yeah HK ppl are loaded $$$$$

[chingwa]

I was JUST THERE 1 week ago! I got that weird buzzy teadrunk feeling that lasted for about 6 hours afterward

The teaware museum was a nice (if somewhat brief) respite. I wasn't overawed really, but if someone is in the neighborhood it's worth the trip. The teahouse was pretty good as well (luk yu teahouse).

The girl waiting at our table brewed us a 80's puehr and a high mountain oolong at the SAME TIME. needless to say I was impressed, I was thinking of asking her to marry me, but my wife was sitting across from me watching my every move.

[camw]

Will be in Hong Kong in a couple of months and the museum is definitely on my list to visit.

Was hoping some people might be able to share some reputable local vendors of good quality teaware as well please? Would be looking to buy a few items and would love to know where to start looking (and to avoid getting ripped off!).

[wyardley]

Will be in Hong Kong in a couple of months and the museum is definitely on my list to visit.

Was hoping some people might be able to share some reputable local vendors of good quality teaware as well please?

The museum is maybe worth a quick visit if you're in the area, but it's not that exciting. There's a little teahouse that's part of the same building where you can get vegetarian snacks and have some decent-ish tea (the prices are high, but at least you get a decent little tea set, and the tea is not bad). I think the little shop there is run by Sheung Yu.

I can think of several people on this forum off the top of my head who are more qualified than I to answer this question; hopefully some of them will chime in. I visited for a few days last May, and I can suggest a few places for teaware. Teaware in HK is pretty expensive, especially Yixing pots. Any specific types of teaware you're looking for, and are you looking for modern stuff or antiques? Any rough idea of your budget?

I would suggest visiting the main branch of Best Teahouse (the Lychee Kok branch); they have a decent selection of porcelain and other stuff. They've got some older blue & white porcelain from some well known studios. You can bargain a little, or become a member to get a 15 or 20% discount, but the pots are still very expensive for what you get. Lau Yu Fat is decent for tea, they have some teaware, but nothing mind blowing.

I haven't been to Henry Trading Co, but I believe they sell at least some teaware.

Many of the shops mentioned at:
http://www.nicolastang.com/tea/hongkong.html
may be of interest.

I've heard that Hollywood Road has a lot of antiques shops; I haven't visited myself; I don't know how trustworthy the shops in that area tend to be.

Hope this helps; PM me if you need any other info.

[IPT]

The antique shops are pretty horrible. Mostly fakes, and the few shops that do sell real things have incredibly expensive prices. If I do remember correctly there are a couple of tea shops in that area though. When you get off the plane, you'll be able to pick up some booklets on Hong kong and one of them has listings of restaurants, shops, hotels, etc. They also have tea shops and tea houses listed. That should help you find the bigger name ones.

I like that museum. Granted, it is small, but it has some very nice pieces. The tea house that is connected is way overpriced, but the park it is located in is nice for a stroll. I usually visit the musem when I go to Hong Kong.

[camw]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Probably looking at Yixing. Budget is pretty flexible, up to say 2500 HKD, but just as happy to spend much less for something I like. Not interested in buying something just because it is expensive.

[Tead Off]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Probably looking at Yixing. Budget is pretty flexible, up to say 2500 HKD, but just as happy to spend much less for something I like. Not interested in buying something just because it is expensive.

The museum is a nice place to spend some time in. It's location is very pleasant and a nice respite from the bustle of HK. The last time I was there, maybe 1.5 to 2 years ago, they had a very nice selection of 80's pots both from Yixing and Chao Zhou. Most were under $250 and I would say were very competitive with what these types of pots sell for. I believe they are vetted by the owner of the tea shop next door whose name I forget but owns Lock Cha on the stairs of Cat St. that lead up to Hollywood Rd. from Queen's Road. Some consider this man very knowledgeable and a tea master.

As for buying tea, Nicolas Tang certainly has put together a comprehensive list of tea sellers. I disagree with some of his observations but that's tea for you. I think he makes some disparaging comments about Lock Cha and Zen Tea, just a few metres away. I can tell you from experience that both of these shops have some very good teas and are not cheap. Best Tea House I have found are commercial at best. Decent teas but I have not been to their main store that wyardley mentions. Maybe they have other teas that are not sold at other branches. So many tea sellers.

I know Hollywood Rd quite well. You will see more at the museum's gift shop than there. Have fun.

[camw]

Thanks Tead Off and everyone else. I have a better overview now. Will hopefully get to visit 2-3 of the suggestions.