Tea Moments With Kevin

Soda firing is a ceramic technique where sodium carbonate (soda ash) is introduced into a hot kiln, creating distinctive and unpredictable glazes. The process starts with loading pottery into the kiln and heating it to high temperatures, typically around cone 10 (2350°F or 1287°C). Soda ash is then introduced, either by spraying a soda solution into the kiln or by placing soda-soaked materials inside. The soda vaporizes and interacts with the clay and glazes, forming a unique sodium-silicate glaze. This results in a variety of surface textures and colors, from glossy to matte, often with tactile qualities. Soda-fired pottery is characterized by its variation and uniqueness, with each piece displaying different markings and colors. This technique has historical roots in the 15th-century European salt firing but gained popularity in the 20th-century United States. Modern ceramic artists appreciate soda firing for its spontaneity and the unique outcomes it produces. The benefits of soda f...

Tea culture has deep roots in East Asia, particularly in China and Japan, where tea is not merely a beverage but a vital part of cultural and social rituals. One of the key tools in the traditional tea ceremony is the tea scoop, or 茶则 (chá zé). This article explores the purpose of tea scoops, why they are essential, and the common materials used in their creation.  Purpose of Tea Scoops Tea scoops serve a fundamental role in the tea-making process. They are used to measure and transfer loose tea leaves from a container into a teapot or gaiwan (a lidded bowl used for brewing tea). Accurate measurement of tea leaves is crucial to achieving the desired strength and flavor of the tea. By using a tea scoop, the tea master ensures consistency and precision, which are hallmarks of a well-prepared tea. In the Japanese tea ceremony, the tea scoop, known as 茶杓 (chashaku), is particularly significant. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the chashaku is not only a practical tool but a...

Tea, as a traditional beverage in ancient China, carries rich cultural connotations and historical accumulation. Tea drinking is not only a way of life but also a spiritual enjoyment and a sanctuary for the soul. In ancient times, tea drinking was regarded as a way to connect with nature, whether it was on grass mats in the mountains or in tranquil rooms, one could feel the fragrance and aura of tea. These wonderful tea cultures were also vividly expressed in ancient poems, let us appreciate their charm together. 六羡歌 唐·陆羽 不羡黄金罍，不羡白玉杯； 不羡朝入省，不羡暮入台； 惟羡西江水，曾向金陵城下来。 Six Envious Songs By Lu Yu, Tang Dynasty Not envious of golden flasks, nor of white jade cups; Not envious of morning court sessions, nor of evening palace visits; Only envious of the waters of the West River, once flowing beneath the walls of Jinling City. 九日与陆处士羽饮茶 唐·皎然 九日山僧院，东篱菊也黄。 俗人多泛酒，谁解助茶香。 Drinking Tea with Master Lu Yu on the Ninth Day By Jiao Ran, Tang Dynasty On the ninth day, at the mountain monk's temple, the e...