It's All About Tea — teaware
Should You Try Kintsugi? (Japanese Pottery Repair)
Posted by Angelina Kurganska on
Whenever we are faced with the harsh reality of our favorite teapot that we painstakingly brought back from Japan breaking, we must ask ourselves the following question:
"Out with the old" or do I try repairing it?
For many merely throwing it away is not an option. Especially if the piece of teaware has a lot of meaning to us or if we just recently acquired it.
A quick search online and you will see kintsugi as the number one suggested method of repairing pottery. But is it really worth it? (Read more)
Pairing a Yixing Teapot with Tea
Posted by Angelina Kurganska on
If you are getting into Gong Fu Cha, you have probably heard people suggesting using yixing teaware for brewing tea. This is because Yixing Zisha clay is micro-porous and unglazed, so it interacts with the tea liquor and can slightly soften bitterness and change how aroma presents. But there are so many different yixing teapots! They come in many shapes and different types of ZiSha clay. So, which Yixing Teapot should you choose for your tea? (Read more)
The Ways of the Gaiwan
Posted by Angelina Kurganska on
The Gaiwan has existed as part of traditional Chinese tea drinking since the 12th century, if not earlier. However, it was not always implemented in the same ways as it is in today’s gong fu ceremonies. Back in the day, people would drink tea directly from the Gaiwan. (Read more)
Japanese Teaware: The Yunomi Teacup
Posted by Angelina Kurganska on
Yunomi teacups are medium-sized tea cups ranging anywhere from 90 to 160 ml. They are the most commonly used teacups in Japan and can be found in almost every eatery and home. Unlike the chawan, which is used for more formal Japanese tea ceremonies, Yunomi cups are used for casual everyday tea drinking. (Read more)
What is a Cha Hai and What do We Need It For?
Posted by Angelina Kurganska on
When, where, and by whom the first Cha Hai was used is unknown, even though now it is an irreplaceable part of Gong Fu brewing. It is especially important to use Cha Hai for denser teas. Ensuring that the participants of a tea ceremony have the equal experiences is an integral part of tea culture that should not be overlooked. (Read more)