Yixing Cups

18/09/2010, posted by Cha in teaware

I have acquired  this tea cups from Canton Tea a while ago.  I enjoy  sipping tea from them , even tough they are some how larger (50 ml) than my usual cups . For weeks now,  I used them the most.

While I determined that the size and shape of a cup play a important role,  I was not aware of how the color affects tea. Until recently, almost all my cups had the interior white.  These cups have the same size, same material , but different color.  Perfect for such tests. I was surprised to learn that color does affect the perceived taste.  Also, the cup material seem to add it’s own character to the tea.  Other cups of the same size and thickness, but from a different material, give a different feeling.

Now I have two more things to try  in terms of cups : unglazed and antique cups.

If you like these cups, you can buy them here. Use the code LEAF for a 10% discount.

Da Hong Pao Clay Yixing teapot

30/06/2010, posted by Cha in teaware

I cannot say  I understand yixing clays or teapots, but I will post from time to time about my  teaware as a person who learns about them.

This teapot was acquired from  from Yunnan Sourcing and I imagined it would be a good match for shu puerh.  I tried it a few times with sheng puerh, and the results was also awesome.  The puerh brewed in this teapot was vastly superior to the one brewed in gaiwan and far more lengthy.   But the most important aspect for me is the fact that I enjoy it’s appearance. Seeing and touching it brings me comfort and I think that is a key aspect while brewing tea. In my case, the state of mind vastly influences the quality of the brewed tea. I also enjoy it’s color and the fact that it keeps the tea leaves unaffected for a long period of time. It feels very solid and it is what I call a obedient teapot.

I hope I will be able to learn more about teapots, especially on how shape and clay affect the quality of tea.  Of course I have read about it, but real knowledge comes from practice and trials and errors.  I think only trough hard  practice  and experimentation one can  obtain a real understanding of a process.  This is what kung fu really means.  One who has studied tea for 2-3 years can not be called a tea expert for this simple reason: time .

I think learning from a  teamaster would be helpful.  Often (generally speaking) ,  one who learns by himself is misguided by it’s own mind.   Our mind lies to  us a lot, especially when it comes to confirm certain values. I know this from martial arts so it’s easier for me to understand this aspect when it comes to tea. I am planning a tea trip that hopefully, will move me one step ahead.

Vendor Description

Da Hong Pao clay comes from the west side of the Fudong township of Yixing in Jiangsu province. At the boundary of Rentu village and Hongwei village is a small mining area, which produces this delicate double-layer clay. High in iron oxide, it takes on a crimson color after roasting in a kiln (Note: Da Hong Pao means “Crimson Robe” in Chinese). This is high density clay of exquisite quality with a high degree of crystallization. It brews tea that is soft, smooth, and great tasting. Over time brewing tea gives the teapot a highly pleasing bright red color. This type of clay is extremely rare. It produces excellent tasting tea and is highly acclaimed.

Mining area: western Fudong township of Yixing city
Kiln temperature: approx. 1040 C.
Contraction: approx. 45%-55%.

Appropriate for brewing: fresh Oolong teas (light roasted types) are extremely well-suited, Tie Guan Yin (medium roasted or highly roasted types), various kinds of Pu-erh.

Bottom Inscription: “Jianying Zhi Tao” (entirely handmade by Jianying, Da Hong Pao clay)

Handmade and kiln roasted at the perfect temperature. It has a fine gloss and a delightful delicate red color. Breathes well and is easy to cultivate through brewing tea. It will only increase in beauty as it ages. This teapot has a dignified and traditional shape. Its handle and spout are well-proportioned. This is a product of exquisite craft – simple and refined. It has a tight-fitting lid and a smooth flow of liquid. Practical and useful, this is a product of the highest value. This teapot comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The creator, Wang Jianying, is a nationally certified practitioner of fine arts and a member of Yixing pottery association. A fourth generation descendant of the famed Fan Dasheng, she is a Fan Family Teapot Company master craftsworker. She has been fascinated with the craft of zisha since childhood. In 1986, she began working with zisha pottery under the tutelage of her mother Fan Yuehong, quickly developing a substantial skillset. In recent years she has benefited from the careful guidance of the current head of the Fan Family Teapot Company, Fan Weiqun, and her pottery making skills have become increasingly mature. Her products have received numerous awards and have appeared in Chinese and international books and other publications. They are widely sought out by collectors.

A quality teapot requires quality material and quality workmanship. As a collectors item, it also demands that its producer has a certain level of official recognition. Master craftsworker Wang Jianying holds nationally recognized credentials. As such, these products have high potential to appreciate in value.

My Tea Pet – Golden Toad “Jin Chan”

22/12/2009, posted by Cha in teaware

Tea Evening, originally uploaded by chadao.

Toads are a very powerful symbol in the Asian culture (At least in Japan and China) . Bellow you have a quote from the seller , but you can also check wikipedia here about it. Toads are praised by taoists and are found in many books and graphical works.

I just want to have a stable tea partner. It’s very relaxing to have it near by .

“The Golden Toad, which has the full name “Treasured Golden Toad, Bringer of Wealth and Fortune,” is valued in Chinese fengshui for its ability to attract good fortune. It is considered especially useful for people involved in business, as it can cause wealth to come pouring in from all sides. The Golden Toad is believed to possess the dual functions of hastening the acquisition of wealth and promoting long-term prosperity.”

portable brewing set

27/06/2009, posted by Cha in teaware

I received this set a week or two ago.  In case you are unfamiliar with the gaiwan, it’s considered by many the best tool to brew delicate teas like white or green tea.  It is a very practical tool , easy to handle and can be used both as a teapot or as a cup. It’s origin dates in the Ming dynasty and if you are familiar with Chinese martial arts movies, the gaiwan is often displayed there. I will talk another time about the gaiwan in detail , right now I just want to show you my pics :

Now I only need a  portable tea table that can contain this set and I’m good .