Nouveau Teaware
As an archaeologist that has spent much time digging up pottery, cleaning, sorting, illustrating and conserving them, my love for ceramics has only grown over the years. As I am diligently studying for my Tea Specialist certificate (and hopefully later my Sommelier certification) I have reawakened my interest in teaware. I wish to share some of my recent purchases with you. As you can probably tell, I have a penchant for blue and white ware.
Qingming Shanghetu Blue And White Porcelain Gaiwan from Umi Tea Sets
The gaiwan (meaning lidded bowl) is a major part of the Chinese Gong Fu Cha (工夫茶) tea service. I really like the deep saucer.
Plum Blossom Blue & White Gaiwan
“This Gaiwan, adorned with delicate plum blossoms against a classic blue and white porcelain backdrop, symbolizes resilience and renewal, as plum blossoms thrive in winter's harshness to herald spring.” ~ Buddha Stones
Produced by Jinglongtang Ceramics - China. I just love this design!💙
Mino ware plate (December Sakuraco box) [1]
This is a beautiful design, and it has become one of my favourite side plates.
Teaware doesn’t need to be expensive, it just needs to please you. I always loved this print and when I saw this plate I bought it to add to my tea service.
“Crafted by skilled artisans from Bloom, this striking plate draws inspiration from Hokusai’s iconic ukiyo-e masterpiece, The Great Wave off Kanagawa... beautifully capturing the dynamic movement and dramatic energy of the original woodblock print.”
Buchangqi Teacups made of Dehua porcelain
“‘Buchangqi’ means ‘Unusual Objects’ and is a collection of fully handmade Dehua porcelain teaware made by the studio of Huang Yongxing and his apprentices. Dehua porcelain originates in Fujian Province and is known for its purity, transparency, and jade-like appearance.”
I bought these two lovely and finely made cups as they are pure white - good for viewing the colour of tea liquor, and I like having options for serving tea in.
30 ml Buchangqi cups
The beautifully smooth, thin porcelain feels lovely against my lips!
I’m sure I will be coming home with at least one new piece from China (from my upcoming tea tour).
Please feel free to ask questions, or provide (polite) comments below. Wishing you all a wonderful ‘tea’ day!🫖🍵
[1] Previously described in this post Matcha infused Sencha
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Wave_off_Kanagawa
