Ceremonial tea service .. 3 of 3

When it comes to Asian “Tea Ceremonies” I divide them into three (3) distinct regions; China Mainland, Taiwan and Japan. This not a complete representation, but it is my personal experiences they demonstrate the range to which tea making and serving extends.

Japan, demonstrates the highest level of importance to the adherence of ceremonial dictates. Simply stated: Ceremony first, tea taste secondary. Great importance is placed on the; tea growing, picking, processing and storage.

A woodblock print by Toyohara Chikanobu depicts a tea ceremony during the reign of the Meiji Emperor. At this time tea was part of etiquette training for women.

(2 of 3) Taiwan has a foot in both China and Japan when it comes to tea. I see interesting adaptations and personalizing in making and serving. Tea rises to the forefront with adaptable ceremonies.

My Taiwanese friend’s tea table.. a typical business meeting is centered around having tea and sharing ideas.Tea garden in Ping Lin Taiwan, home of the Tea Museum. High Mountain tea in Taiwan’s central mountain region near Mount Sylvia

(3 of 3) China Mainland, enjoys a fabulous diversity in the brewing, serving and sharing tea. The physical size and diversity of peoples in China plays into regional variations.  The common denominator: Tea is first and foremost.

Typical family/friends having tea.Small tea shop in She Kou, ShenZhen.Lee Hong makes tea for Paulo and myself.Friends chat, drink tea & conduct business .. Zhang Mutou Zhen, Dongguan

A rare insight .. Poet's eye view

Frozen in time: The writing desk of poet and critic Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902) at Shiki-an.

Shiki’s writing desk has a unique square cutout, designed to accommodate the scribe’s left leg, which, due to complications of his disease, he was unable to stretch out straight or fold beneath him.

Synopsis from Japan Times story by Kit Nagamura

正岡子規 Masaoka Shiki’s last portrait, December 24, 1900. Photo: 正岡明 Masaoka Akira

Masaoka Shiki’s was the pen-name of a Japanese author, poet, literary critic, and journalist in Meiji period Japan. His real name was Masaoka Tsunenori, but as a child he was called Tokoronosuke . Later, he changed his name to Noboru .

Classic (Japanese) Woodblock Prints .. two examples

静穏 (Room With a View)

 Designer: Shibata Zeshin | Carver: David Bull | Printer: David BullThis print was designed in 1867 by Shibata Zeshin, and formed the frontispiece to the book kumanaki-kage, which was a volume privately published by the Koga-ren group of kyoka poets in dedication to Kagetsu, the man who founded their group, on the occasion of the third anniversary of his death.

Purchase at: http://mokuhankan.com/catalogue/0026.php

お茶の花 (Tea Ceremony Supplies)

Designer: Kawabata Gyokusho | Carver: David Bull | Printer: Ayumi MiyashitaThis image is taken from a Meiji-era book of designs by one of the leading painters of the day, Kawabata Gyokusho, which was intended to serve as a te-hon - a 'copy book' - for students of watercolour brush painting, and which was issued in Meiji 33 (1900).

Purchase at: http://mokuhankan.com/catalogue/0294.php

Tools of the trade