Tea Moments With Kevin

I. Where the Coral Trees Bloom, Ancient Temples Echo with Chants   In the dawn light of the Great Buddha Hall of Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, twenty-four wooden flying apsaras soar through the air, holding traditional Nan musical instruments, their garments flowing with the breeze of the maritime Silk Road from the Song and Yuan dynasties. This temple, founded in the second year of the Tang Dynasty's Chuigong era (686 CE), holds within its beams and pillars the secrets of a millennium of Buddhist heritage in southern Fujian. From the arrival of Buddhism with the migration of scholars during the Western Jin Dynasty's Tai Kang era (280-289 CE) to Quanzhou's rise as the "Greatest Oriental Port" during the Song and Yuan periods, diverse religious civilizations converged and blended here. Within Kaiyuan Temple, Hindu stone pillars dance alongside Buddhist apsaras, while the Manichaean Buddha of Light at Cao'an Temple stands in harmony with the Qingshui Patriarch, sk...

Dehua white porcelain, often referred to as "Blanc de Chine," has made a significant impact on Western appreciation for fine arts and cultural artifacts. This exquisite porcelain, originating from Dehua County in China's Fujian Province, is renowned for its unique ivory-white color and smooth, delicate texture. The high-quality kaolin clay found in Dehua provides exceptional whiteness and translucency, allowing artisans to create elegant, thin pieces that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.  The production of Dehua porcelain involves meticulous craftsmanship, with techniques passed down through generations. Each piece is handcrafted, ensuring intricate details and smooth finishes are preserved. The firing process, which can exceed 1300°C, further enhances the porcelain's durability and brilliance. In recent years, Dehua white porcelain has gained significant recognition in Western markets, particularly in the United States and Europe. Exhibitions in prominent...