It's All About Tea

For a practitioner of Gong Fu Cha, the quest for perfecting the tea experience often leads to a deeper appreciation for the tools of the art. And standing proudly at the forefront of this tea journey is the Yixing teapot. Crafted from the renowned Yixing clay (ZiSha), these teapots are more than just vessels; they are pieces of rich history and function, capable of transforming tea's taste and aroma. 

However, as the popularity of Yixing teapots has surged, so has the market for imitations. Telling a genuine Yixing ZiSha teapot from a counterfeit can be tricky. Sure, there are obvious giveaways, like the price or the dealer's reputation, but what about the physical markers that differentiate the authentic from the fake? (Read more)

Taiwan's reputation in the world of tea is undeniable. With its fertile soils, favorable climates, and generations of skilled farmers, the island has birthed some of the most sought-after teas globally. If you've ever steeped a pot and admired the harmonious dance of flavors and aromas unique to Taiwanese teas, you've likely come across the name Wenshan Baozhong. A prime exemplar of Taiwan's rich tea heritage, Baozhong tea, particularly from the Wen Shan region, stands out distinctly. (Read more)

In the world of tea, there is a fascinating concept known as "Cha Qi" (茶气) – a notion that adds an intriguing dimension to the tea experience. 

To grasp the essence of Cha Qi, let's look at the hieroglyph 气, pronounced "Qi." Its form signifies an energy that is fluid, ever-present, ever-changing, and elusive – an embodiment of the unseen forces that govern life itself. Within the realm of tea (茶 – Cha), Cha Qi plays a significant role, extending beyond the act of tea drinking to influence the entire tea experience.

In this exploration, we'll delve into Cha Qi as the tea's ability to affect a person's physical and mental state. Beyond being a simple beverage, tea becomes a gateway to altered states of mind and heightened sensations. From teas that help you focus to those that induce a sense of calm, the tea experience becomes a personal voyage where the ordinary transcends into something extraordinary. Throughout this exploration, we'll try to understand and define the enigmatic nature of Cha Qi. (Read more)

Tea lovers have long known that the quality of the water used to brew tea can have a profound impact on the taste of the final beverage. In ancient China, tea masters traveled great distances to find the best water for tea. Some of the most famous water sources in the country became known for their unique mineral content and flavor.

A famous Chinese proverb says, "Water is the mother of tea." It shows how important water is to the quality of tea. If you want to make the best cup of tea, it is important to use the proper water.

In this blogpost, we will discuss how water affects tea's aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. We will also provide tips on choosing the best water for your next cup of tea. (Read more)

Silver is an age-old symbol of wealth. It has served various purposes throughout history. Some of them include the usage as a currency, adornments, and utensils. Additionally, people used silver to create tokens, religious symbols, and even tools for poison detection! Traditional medicine valued silver not only as a precious metal but also for its potential health benefits believed to surpass even those of gold.

Royal nobles have been cherishing and using silver teapot for generations. While not widely collected even in its home country China, their exceptional craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage have garnered collectors' attention in recent years. Handmade silver pots showcase intricate techniques and boast exquisite appearances. You can check these blog posts for more information on the history and the crafting techniques of a handmade silver teapot. In this blog post, we'll cover the essential benefits of using a silver teapot. We'll talk about how silver benefits the tea brewing process and its influence on the water, the tea leaves, and the human body, making it a preferred tea brewing tool and a prized possession. (Read More)