Hello, and good TeaDay to all! Please step inside and share what is in your cup today.
Yesterday responders overwhelmingly indicated a desire and enjyment on learning about the teas they drink. You can still vote and discuss yesterday's topic.
Today's TeaPoll and discussion topic. Yesterday was tea, so today is TeaWare. Do you enjoy and desire to learn about the teaware you use to brew and drink tea? Please share something you have learned with us.
I am looking forward to sharing TeaDay with everyone today. Bottoms up.
Jul 14th, '09, 01:43
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Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji
Jul 14th, '09, 02:23
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Yanagi
I like some aspects of teaware and learning about it, but my attention span is much shorter than when you're talking about the leaf itself. My eyes start to glaze over when you get too much into the details of how it's made and what it's made of. And there's quite a bit that I just don't care for, mostly some of the weirder Japanese stuff. I guess I am a cowboy when it comes to teaware.
If cowboys drank sencha, this would be the type they would drink. What Ippodo calls a "course leaf version of sencha."
(Click the photo for a closer look.)
If cowboys drank sencha, this would be the type they would drink. What Ippodo calls a "course leaf version of sencha."
(Click the photo for a closer look.)
Jul 14th, '09, 03:09
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Maitre_Tea
Sometimes I worry myself because I feel like I'm more fascinated with tea ware than I am the tea itself! There's something to be said about something with form and function, both pretty and practical, artistic and...well you get the picture.
Right now I'm reading up on Tokoname and Chawan (I'm saving up money to buy one). I actually took a Japanese art history class two years ago, and I'm re-reading the history of Japanese tea ware, which is fascinating. When raku ware was popularized during the Momoyama period, the technical means of production was relatively simple and did not require large or elaborate kilns, there were "gentleman potters" who dabbled in the art. Even though our resident Tea Artisans are not mere dabblers, I see similarities between the two, in that our TeawareArtisans are small businesses, often just one potter.
I used to be fascinated with Yixing, but now the topic scares me now.
Right now I'm reading up on Tokoname and Chawan (I'm saving up money to buy one). I actually took a Japanese art history class two years ago, and I'm re-reading the history of Japanese tea ware, which is fascinating. When raku ware was popularized during the Momoyama period, the technical means of production was relatively simple and did not require large or elaborate kilns, there were "gentleman potters" who dabbled in the art. Even though our resident Tea Artisans are not mere dabblers, I see similarities between the two, in that our TeawareArtisans are small businesses, often just one potter.
I used to be fascinated with Yixing, but now the topic scares me now.
I definitely place more interest in the tea itself. Although I find discussions of the different types of materials and the different shapes to be interesting, it does not drive me to 'collect em all.' The cynic in me just views it as another area for vendors to make unsubstantiated claims about their products. 
This morning I'm continuing with the oolong that I started yesterday evening. A "vintage oolong" from Tea Spot. We've had plenty of discussions about the use (or misuse) of the term "vintage" in other threads...
This morning I'm continuing with the oolong that I started yesterday evening. A "vintage oolong" from Tea Spot. We've had plenty of discussions about the use (or misuse) of the term "vintage" in other threads...
Jul 14th, '09, 07:48
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Herb_Master
Bonjour Mes Amis Francais
Most of the different teaware I have learned about has been on these pages, thank you friends!
In my cup this morning 'Jiu Jiu Jiu Guan Yin' from WanlingTeaHouse
In the saddle this morning I hope Mark Cavendish can win the stage, but with this special day being Bastille Day, I fear that there will be many french riders trying for a lone break.
Vive le France!
Most of the different teaware I have learned about has been on these pages, thank you friends!
In my cup this morning 'Jiu Jiu Jiu Guan Yin' from WanlingTeaHouse
In the saddle this morning I hope Mark Cavendish can win the stage, but with this special day being Bastille Day, I fear that there will be many french riders trying for a lone break.
Vive le France!
Best wishes from Cheshire
Jul 14th, '09, 11:02
Posts: 375
Joined: Jun 15th, '09, 07:05
Location: Lat: N 59º 37' 3.79" Long: E 17º 49' 35.49" or thereabouts
Yes, hope it turns out a fine day for all French people today.
Also, our very own crown princess, Victoria, turned 32 today-or so they said on the radio, I'm not into royalty per se-as did a very good friend of mine. I'll give him a call later.
I voted 'I would say yes' and off the top of my head I can say I've learned to use a gaiwan reasonably well..
Today two pots of blacks, first Royal Blend(how fitting...) then the last of my good Ceylon with some Assam and stuff mixed in. I am planning to make some oolong shortly.
Also, our very own crown princess, Victoria, turned 32 today-or so they said on the radio, I'm not into royalty per se-as did a very good friend of mine. I'll give him a call later.
I voted 'I would say yes' and off the top of my head I can say I've learned to use a gaiwan reasonably well..
Today two pots of blacks, first Royal Blend(how fitting...) then the last of my good Ceylon with some Assam and stuff mixed in. I am planning to make some oolong shortly.
Love learning about teaware, but again, I don't retain much.
I like knowing the potter and the region, but when it comes to
the clay and specifics, I get bored easily. I just want quality and
ease of use and to be esthetically pleasing and bring elegance
to the tea ritual.
In my cup this morning CS Darjeeling Oolong.
Have a nice day everyone!
Happy Bastille Day to our French friends!!
I like knowing the potter and the region, but when it comes to
the clay and specifics, I get bored easily. I just want quality and
ease of use and to be esthetically pleasing and bring elegance
to the tea ritual.
In my cup this morning CS Darjeeling Oolong.
Have a nice day everyone!
Happy Bastille Day to our French friends!!
I have learned a couple different uses for the gaiwan, my favorite brewing vessel.
At first I was drinking from my gaiwan, using the lid to block the leaves. I had read about this method in a book and thought it was the sole use of the gaiwan. On TeaChat I learned to use it as a teapot, and I also started employing the gongfu method (if not the ceremony.) I've gotten pretty good at pouring from the gaiwan to two or three cups. Also, not drinking straight from the gaiwan encourages proper brewing times, so my tea is tasting better.
The gaiwan, to me, is by far the most interesting (historically), practical, versatile, and fun to use. Developing the skills to use the gaiwan is also fun/challenging. I poured a lot of plain water into teacups trying to get my skills up lol
Golden Monkey today.
At first I was drinking from my gaiwan, using the lid to block the leaves. I had read about this method in a book and thought it was the sole use of the gaiwan. On TeaChat I learned to use it as a teapot, and I also started employing the gongfu method (if not the ceremony.) I've gotten pretty good at pouring from the gaiwan to two or three cups. Also, not drinking straight from the gaiwan encourages proper brewing times, so my tea is tasting better.
The gaiwan, to me, is by far the most interesting (historically), practical, versatile, and fun to use. Developing the skills to use the gaiwan is also fun/challenging. I poured a lot of plain water into teacups trying to get my skills up lol
Golden Monkey today.
Last edited by depravitea on Jul 14th, '09, 12:20, edited 1 time in total.
Jul 14th, '09, 12:24
Posts: 5151
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Gyokuro is my faveclareandromeda wrote:more Ito En gyokuro today. I'm really spoiling myself...I love teaware, and learning about it. I am trying to control myself because I really have everything that I "need" now..now its just want.
! It's a good thing that we save it to drink for more special times. Although... I feel I could probably drink it more than a few times per week, but enjoy the flavor soooo much, I feel, for me it's best to savor it over extended periods of time instead of all at once.But, it's fun to be spoiled isn't it!
Yeah, I hear you on that one, "needs and wants " are radically opposed when it comes to Teaware!!! No thanks to TCers!
I am really loving learning about teaware, and have especially learned a lot from our own TeaWare Artisians. Cory especially has shared with us enormous amounts of overwhelming information. And of course I am enjoying learning from my DH!
Great session of Fuka Supreme this morning, looking forward to our afternoon tea.
Have a TEArrific TeaDay everyone and Happy Bastille Day!
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Jul 14th, '09, 13:09
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