Monday, May 23, 2011

The Way of Tea


Many years ago a friend of mine from the museum traveled to Japan.
She asked if there was something I'd like from her visit
and I said "a tea set".


Tea Set


The set is from the Asahido Pottery Store in Kyoto.
The pottery store was established in 1869.
This is called Kiyomizuyaki, with exquisite and refined beauty, 
is one of the highest grade pottery and porcelains in Japan.


Tea Pot


I think she has great taste. 
The cups *live* in a lovely wooden box
(that I believe I have photographed upside down).
They have the same design as the tea pot.
On the inside bottom of each cup,
is a flower and bird in blue.



Tea pot



"At the beginning of the ninth century Japanese visitors to China took home the fashion of tea. One in particular: the Buddhist monk Dengyo Daishi, studied in China until A.D. 705 and then took back some seeds to his monastery when he returned to Japan. Initially, tea was consumed only by Buddhist monks to keep themselves awake during long periods of meditation, although by the 13th century, tea had grown popular outside the monasteries. The Japanese began their own research on tea and evolved their own tea ceremony, which is very different from the Chinese way of tea. In China, the focus is on enjoying the flavor and taste of the drink itself, whereas in Japan the focus is predominantly on the ceremony.

Zen Buddhism is responsible for the focus of the Japanese way of tea, the "cha do." Cha do places  great importance on the harmony of the surroundings, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace, and respecting the tea and the tea set itself -- there is a very specific order in which to prepare the tea. Cha do is an occasion for teaching manners and protocols."*


Iris

*Information from THE WAY OF TEA: The Sublime Art of Oriental Tea Drinking
by Master Lam Kam Chuen

Thanks to our tea party hostesses.
These are just a few of the tea parties in the Land of Blog.

"Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world."
~T'ien Yiheng

Wishing you WELL and a JOY filled week!


16 comments:

Pondside said...

We saw a great many beautiful porcelain tea sets when we visited Japan in 09. I wanted to bring everything home with me! Your set is a treasure.

Terri said...

Oh these cups are really lovely! The color is so intense and so pretty. Your friend really chose well.
The history is very interesting. Thank you so much for sharing your cups and info with us.
Hugs,
Terri

Debra She Who Seeks said...

What a pleasure it must be to sip tea from one of those exquisite cups!

Barb said...

Your collection of wonderful tea pots and cups is amazing, Snap! The colors in this one are so vivid.

Bren said...

Love that teapot set!!

The Dragonfly On Iron Gate said...

What a fun first visit to your blog land ! Stunning tea set. I just love that color ! Thanks for sharing Happy Tuesday Jules ♥

Cezar and Léia said...

Very interesting to learn more about this tradition of tea!Thanks so much for sharing and your pictures are beautiful!
Luna - WE LOVE LUNA

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

We could all use a little bit of manners and protocol from time to time. The detail is stunning. How impressive that they put a design in the bottom of the cup, but when you think about it, it is part of the cup you look at constantly as you drink. And what a great friend to be so generous!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

What a lovely and rich coloured tea set! Your friend chose well for you. Enjoyed the history too. Thanks for sharing and joining me for Tea time.

Blessings,
Sandi

Pat - Arkansas said...

Lovely! Interesting information, too.

The Charm of Home said...

Hi Snap,
Your tea set is lovely! I love this tea set. I always admire them at Epcot when we visit. Beautiful color.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

That tea set is unbelievable, gorgeous. xox Corrine

Unknown said...

Wonderful tea set! I love it ~ how unusual...the colors are so so pretty. Thank you for your comments on my blog today, always nice to see you. Take Care ` Trish

Wanda Lee said...

Hello there Snap,

What an interesting and charming Japanese tea set and history. Your friend chose well; the rich colors are beautiful..,

Thanks so much for joining us for TTTT and also for my 83rd, Tuesday Tea For Two!


Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee
@ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com
@ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

You must treasure that tea set. It's beautiful!

Crafty Christina said...

Lovely tea set!!