Tea, Chinese Style, a social indulgence (Part III)

Teatime, “It’s only tea, just that, tea, add hot water and serve.” Slow down and enjoy."

Agnes Repplier: "To Think of Tea" 1931"It is a poor person who must drink first brewed tea" - The Kung fu tea ceremony. This means that you don't have time to do it right. The second and third brew is much more mellow with out the tannic acid bite.

"The social tea-table is like the fireside of our country, a national delight; and, if it be the scene of domestic converse and agreeable relaxation, it should likewise bid us remember that every thing connected with the growth and preparation of this favorite herb should awaken a higher feeling—that of admiration, love, and gratitude to Him “who saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good.” George G. Sigmond, 1839.

Getting ready to serve tea:
Overview of items in play as you serve tea: (just a reminder)

Setting up: Sunny morning and we're in the back yard, table, chairs, Tea Table, Kettle/Water and towels.

The Ugly side .. waste water .. this bucket has an upper shelf for solid trash.

Teapot and serving jug by a Taiwanese artist: Master Dun. (award-winning design in 2004.)

All is in place. Note arrangement of 6 cups, two sets of 3. Looks like Chinese character: 品(Pin), To Taste, in the context of tea cup arrangements ...  White inside, the cups will enhance the visual senses. Size matches with Teapot and serving jug.

A pleasing arrangement.

First Boiling: used to clean all the tea-ware and tools. NOTE: this is a first clean using only water and is to demonstrate to guests the tea shall be served in the best traditions.

Wash the outside of the teapot

Use tongs for removing the HOT lid

Wash and pre-heat all the tea-ware.

 Wash the tongs:

 Move the water around from cup to cup.

Set the serving cups to facilitate tea pouring and cleaning .. use one cup as a small utility bowl 

Now its time to introduce the tea: ..

Measure out the tea into the "pre-heated tea pot"

First pouring into tea.  This shall be used to clean / open the tea leaves (not for drinking)

Sequence of cleaning using first tea infusion and serving tea using second infusion.

Using an alternate style of cups .. a pouring /smelling cup (tall and narrow)  and a drinking cup.