It's All About Tea — aesthetics

Japanese philosophy offers a unique way of perceiving beauty that is characterized by subtlety, depth, and thoughtful simplicity. This perception emphasizes feelings that arise from nuanced encounters rather than direct statements or elaborate displays. In Japanese tradition, beauty is rarely just about visual appeal; it's rather a quiet invitation for reflection where beauty reveals itself not by overwhelming the senses but by inviting awareness. These concepts are deeply reflected in the mindful appreciation of Gong Fu Cha, the refined elegance of Senchado, and the contemplative intimacy of Cha No Yu.

Although our journey will often touch upon tea culture, the ideas we'll explore are not limited to tea alone. They reflect broader sensibilities in art, design, and daily life. Whether you are arranging a tea space, admiring the thoughtful emptiness of a tearoom, or appreciating the quiet beauty of natural materials, these principles can guide us toward deeper awareness and richer experiences.

Let's explore how the concepts that shape the Japanese perception of beauty can elevate our tea practice and teach us to appreciate life's quiet moments. (Read more)

When we were in Shenzhen, we were introduced to Zhan Laoshi, the Inheritor of Gong Fu Tea Art Intangible Cultural Heritage. This title signifies that for generations, Zhan's family has been deeply immersed in the Gong Fu Cha culture and that Zhan Laoshi himself has made a significant contribution to the art of Gong Fu Cha.  

Chaozhou is the cradle of Gong Fu Cha. This is where it all started during the Ming Dynasty. Over the centuries, this fascinating culture became deeply ingrained in the lives of the people of Guangdong. It then made its way to Taiwan, underwent further development in the 1970s, returned to mainland China, and spread worldwide.

We simply couldn't miss this chance to learn about Chaozhou Gongfu Cha from a person such as Zhan Laoshi. (Read More)

A Gathering of Literati, or Ya Ji (雅集), is an outstanding Chinese tradition that dates back millennia ago. Ever since, it has been a scene of literary, artistic, and poetic inspiration, as well as a birthplace for outstanding creations from some of the empire's most recognized poets, artists, and literati. The gatherings provided a refined space where literary people could gather, share ideas, and find inspiration on their path to self-cultivation and accomplishment. 

Yaji has evolved with the spirit of times. It remains ever so popular nowadays, providing a much-needed space for people to get out of the usual mundane routine. In these meetings, people indulge their art-related hobbies, gather with like-minded people, and practice self-accomplishment. In today's post, we'll let you into the history of these distinguished gatherings and see how they evolved in time by attending a Yaji in Shenzhen. (Read More)

In our previous blog post we went through the history of the Cha Xi, or the Tea Space ("Tea Mat") and the ancient's pursuit of the beauty hidden in detail.

Now, we'll get practical by going through the nine essential elements for you to create your perfect tea space. (Read More)

In this blog post, we're touching on an important part of the whole tea experience: Cha Xi, or Tea Space. Setting up a harmonized space is a vital element in experiencing tea. It also helps us reach a calm, meditative state, where we are able to appreciate the moment and enjoy living in the present.

We'll talk about the history of the Tea Space ("Tea Mat") and the ancient's pursuit of the beauty hidden in detail. We'll then review its essential elements and how to use them to arrange our tea space. So, grab a cup, and let's take our tea experience to the next level! (Read More)