Tea Moments With Kevin

This piece of bamboo, in fact, is an extraordinary work of art. To many, it might seem like an ordinary bamboo fragment, easily overlooked or casually discarded. I was almost one of those people. Three years ago, I acquired this bamboo piece from a bamboo craft merchant. When I opened the package it arrived in, I felt a sense of disdain for it, almost discarding it into the trash or using it as fuel. However, a chance discovery revealed that one segment of the bamboo was turning dark. Intrigued, I decided to polish it a bit. To my amazement, the bamboo unveiled a captivating hue of brown and yellow patterns, completely overturning my initial impression. Its texture exuded warmth, and over time, with my daily use and contemplation, it gradually took on the reddish hue that only aged bamboo possesses. The patterns on the bamboo also began to unfold like the crackling glaze on porcelain. This magical transformation unfolded quietly as time passed by. When you love an object, it seems to r...

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, I've discovered a unique tranquility through my daily interactions with "玩物尚志" (wan wu shang zhi). Crafted from bamboo, the bamboo tea utensil forms a delicate bridge between me and the world of tea, blending nature, art, and tea culture seamlessly. The ancient verse "不可居无竹" (bu ke ju wu zhu) resonates deeply with me, guiding me into the realm of bamboo tea utensils. Each time I weave together a bamboo tea holder, it becomes an artistic endeavor. Through my hands, bamboo is meticulously carved and intertwined, breathing new life into this natural material. The finished bamboo tea holder isn't just a functional tool but an embodiment of elegance, exuding a sense of literati charm. Placing tea leaves within the bamboo tea holder is akin to indulging in an elegant tea ceremony with classical literati. The inherent texture and patterns of bamboo harmonize beautifully with the refined world of tea, accentuating each oth...

Today is a leisurely weekend, and I decided to take a little break by going downstairs to my Starbucks and simply unwind. In this place where a strong sense of happiness envelops you, I am savoring a cup of Espresso. The intense flavor and aroma of Espresso bring me a sense of clarity and joy. Sitting on a cozy sofa, my thoughts wander to the history and culture behind coffee. Espresso, a method invented by Italians in the early 20th century, has now become a part of the global tea-drinking culture. Besides the coffee itself, I am also fascinated by coffee cups. They showcase creativity and taste through various decorative forms like reliefs, paintings, and glazes, making sipping coffee an artistic enjoyment. So, on this weekend, I chose Espresso, and I chose to relish the delightful moments it brings at Starbucks. May each of us find our own Espresso moments in this bustling world.

Kintsugi, also known as Kintsukuroi, is a unique and exquisite art form that goes beyond simple restoration; it embodies a philosophical perspective. Rooted in the rich cultural soil of Japan, Kintsugi involves repairing damaged pottery using various types of lacquer, such as raw lacquer, black lacquer, and Benpi lacquer, mixed with gold powder, silver powder, or platinum powder. Unlike conventional repair techniques, Kintsugi celebrates the history of an object by embracing its flaws, rather than concealing them. The process of Kintsugi is a ritualistic and respectful one, where artisans meticulously handle every imperfection, as if revealing the vessel's historical memory. Each patch and each thread of gold become an indelible mark of the pottery's life journey, breathing new life into them. These objects no longer remain inanimate artifacts but transform into vessels with captivating stories to tell. The philosophy of Kintsugi harmonizes with the Japanese aesthetic of "...

 The Japanese tea ceremony, known as "chanoyu" or "sado," and the Chinese tea ceremony, known as "chayi" or "gongfu cha," have distinct cultural and stylistic differences. Here are some key differences between the two: Click to Learn more about this teaset at BestCeamics.cn 1. Origins and Influences: The Japanese tea ceremony has its roots in Zen Buddhism and was influenced by Chinese tea culture. It evolved as a meditative practice focused on mindfulness and the appreciation of simplicity. Chinese tea ceremonies have a longer history and encompass various regional tea traditions influenced by Taoism, Confucianism, and other cultural factors. Click to Learn more about this teaset at BestCeamics.cn 2. Tea Preparation: In the Japanese tea ceremony, matcha, a powdered green tea, is commonly used. It involves whisking the tea powder with hot water in a ritualistic manner to create a frothy beverage. Chinese tea ceremonies typically involve the use of...

People drink tea or coffee for various reasons, including personal preferences, cultural practices, and potential health benefits. Here are some common reasons why people enjoy these beverages: 1. Taste and Aroma: Tea and coffee offer distinct flavors and aromas that many people find enjoyable. The unique profiles of different teas and coffees, such as floral, fruity, earthy, or bold notes, appeal to individuals based on their taste preferences. 2. Energy Boost: Both tea and coffee contain caffeine, a natural stimulant that can provide an energy boost and increase alertness. The caffeine content in coffee is generally higher than that in tea, making coffee a popular choice for those seeking a stronger pick-me-up. 3. Social and Cultural Rituals: Tea and coffee have long-standing cultural significance and are often consumed as part of social rituals and gatherings. Sharing a cup of tea or coffee with friends, family, or colleagues can foster connections and create moments of relaxation a...

  After tea leaves are used to make a cup of tea, they can be disposed of in different ways depending on personal preference and environmental considerations. Here are a few common options: 1. Discarding as Organic Waste: Many people simply discard the used tea leaves as organic waste. This can include placing them in a compost bin or adding them to a compost pile to decompose and contribute to soil enrichment. 2. Reusing for Gardening: Some individuals repurpose used tea leaves by incorporating them into gardening practices. Tea leaves can be spread around plants as a natural mulch, added to compost, or used as a nutrient-rich addition to potting soil. 3. Skin and Hair Care: Tea leaves can be used for skincare or haircare purposes. They can be infused in warm water to create a soothing facial or hair rinse, offering potential benefits for the skin and hair. 4. Household Cleaning: The tannins in tea can have a cleaning effect. Used tea leaves can be used to scrub or polish surfaces...