Friday, October 4, 2013

THE COMFORT OF TEA

Lise Carruthers. See more work by Lisa here  and here

 The Tray by Naomi Shihab Nye

Even on a sorrowing day
the little white cups without handles
would appear
filled with steaming hot tea
in a circle on the tray,
and whatever we were able
to say or not say,
the tray would be passed,
we would sip
in silence,
it was another way
lips could be speaking together,
opening on the hot rim,
swallowing in unison.


 Watanabe Takayuki. Click here

"Tea is an act complete in it's simplicity. 
When I drink tea, there is only me, and the tea. 
The rest of the world dissolves. 
There are no worries about the future. 
No dwelling on past mistakes. 
Tea is simple: Loose-leaf tea, hot pure water, a cup. 
I inhale the scent, tiny delicate pieces of the tea floating above the cup. 
I drink the tea, the essence of the leaves becoming a part of me."
- Thich Nhat Hanh

Belocq Tea Atelier

"When tea is made with water drawn from the depth of mind, We really have what is called a tea ceremony." - Toyotomi Hideyoshi


Tea Infusers found on Tumblr

Tea Pot by Petr Novak  on Pots and Tea blog, here


Ceramics by Petr Novak on Pots and Tea blog , here

 Raimund Matros on Flickr. Click

Image found on Tumblr

I love the thought of drinking tea from an exquisite tea bowl
I'm searching for just the right one

Black sandstone tea bowls by Kambe Chinatsu at Oli Oli. 

Robin Welch. 

The Frog,  eggshell porcelain tea bowl by Jane Reumert.

Colin Hopkins

Swedish style

Found on Tumblr

51 comments:

  1. yes, there is always time for tea... at my place anyway... wherever that may be these days... ha.. gorgeous post and I am particularly fond of the collection of tea infusers.. thanks Robyn...

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    1. Cat, I hope you find that special place that you can call home soon. The tea infusers are beautiful aren't they?!

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  2. What a beautiful post -- love Nye's poem and your photos -- finding the perfect teacup is a meditative quest -- how it feels in your hand, the rim on your lips, the warmth -- the texture of the tea bowl - all quite engaging . . .
    xx

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    1. It is indeed such a beautiful poem. I havn't found many tea bowls here but I have a feeling I'm not looking in the right places.

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  3. lovely words and photos, especially the steam rising from the bowl and the tea stained strainer

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    1. I just had to include the tea bowl with the curl of steam :-)

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  4. it is always time for tea, and I love every image and everything about this post Robyn, starting my day meditatively and altho I have many lovely teacups, I too am looking for just the right handle-less handmade cup... beautiful

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the post, eb. I can't decide which cup is my favourite amongst these. They are all so lovely.

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    1. Thanks Jude. The post fell into place once I found Naomi's amazing poem.

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  6. Oooh I love how you've captured the joy of tea drinking. The world isn't right until I've downed a mug at the start of my day.

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    1. Even the thought of a cup of tea or coffee rejuvenates me.

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    1. Thank you Wanda. I really enjoyed putting it together.

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  8. so so true!!! it seems a universal truth - I'm a coffee drinker in the morning but tea is my choice the rest of the day - a simple cup of tea in my studio seems a perfect respite not to be rushed - wonderful post xo

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    1. Jeane, I also like my coffee first thing in the morning but if I'm needing a little comfort it has to be tea.

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  9. I think I have found at least EIGHT "just perfect" tea-bowls!!

    ...and still have my peepers open for number NINE :-)

    x C

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  10. I love this post. Thanks. I always take time and enjoy my favourite drink. If it feels like a rush, I don't bother and have water instead. You're post seems to echo that feeling, the simple pleasure of slowing down while the tea cools just enough to drink it.

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    1. Annie I also dislike rushing my tea and would rather wait until I can savour it.

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  11. I'm almost always ready for my tea at 3pm...a true studio break.I sometimes sit as if stunned...just gazing and enjoying. I love the gathered infusers and the tea cups are so beautiful...beautiful post Robyn.

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    1. The image of the infusers got my attention too!

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  12. Nothing is more consoling or pleasing at times than making a tray for one's tea with a precious cup... the tray then carried to the spot that feels just right fro that moment... and the reverie and peace that follows...
    thanks for this simple elegant reminder Robyn... sending warm greetings your way!
    x

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    1. Hi Sophie, I tend to reward myself with tea or coffee after a long carving session. It's a good time to contemplate my progress while sipping and unwinding.

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  13. As usual Robyn, you have taken a subject, you have explored it artistically, you have made me think about it in an almost poetic way - so thank you for that.

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    1. Weaver, the poem seemed to invite beautiful images. I love Naomi's poetry.

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  14. Ahhh as I sit here sipping my morning tea I came upon your post. This post expresses my affection for tea. mmmmmm not only the flavor, but the feel, essence.

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    1. Tea time has that effect doesn't it?! A zen like experience, time to contemplate.

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  15. Hiya R - so good to connect - and what better way than over a cup of tea. You find such beautiful images. Love Raimund Matros's cup an vapour. Go well. B

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    1. I can almost smell the steam rising from that cup. Tea seems to tastes better in a beautiful cup especially when one has time to savour it.

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  16. Robyn,

    Beautiful! I drink all my liquids from special cups, these are all stunning. xoxo

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    1. Annie, I found so many stunning images I decided to start a tea board on Pinterest :-)

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  17. lovely, all of it [though i found the Robyn Welch link didn't appear to work?]
    the thought of tea also put me in mind of Rupert Brooke, with his "bosky wood and slumbrous stream"
    ...and is there honey still for tea?

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    1. India, I couldn't get it to work either so I've linked to ceramics at the Bircham Gallery. Scroll down to Robin Welch.
      Oh I forgot the honey! I love it particularly in ginger tea.

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  18. Although I'm a coffee guy I like all the images you have.

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    1. Don I have to have coffee first thing in the morning but I love my tea during the day .... and ginger tea before bed.

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  19. Brings me comfort just looking at all the images and words you have gathered together here. And it reminds me that I don't drink enough tea! It also brings to mind a quote you might like Robyn, that I used on a painting of a teapot, "When tea is made with water drawn from the depth of mind, We really have what is called tea ceremony." - Toyotomi Hideyoshi

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    1. I will have to add that beautiful quote! It is perfect for the post, thanks C.

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  20. Thanks for all those great images and FABULOUS links.

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  21. We who savor tea love and appreciate your company. I lift my cup and salute you! Robyn, you have no idea how much you have given me: to savor, to really see, to think about. I just love visiting you here and at Tumblr. Thank you so much! XXX from Ohio!

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  22. The poem too, warm as a cup of tea. Love it.

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  23. I'm sitting here sipping Lapsang Souchong tea tonight - it just felt smoky time! We have just bought some more beautiful japanese tea cups we seem to be adding to the cupboard...I love the form and all that they symbolise. This was a delight meander Robyn - thanks! And so many beautiful words...

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  24. I love the ceremony and imagery of tea. I am not a tea drinker, but I just blogged a few days ago about WANTING to love tea, because I love all of the things associated with it. This sums it up perfectly in visual form.

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    1. Lol .... I want to love some of the more exotic teas. There are a few that need a little practice.

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  25. What a stunning collection, both words and images.

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  26. You have some of my favorite tea images here.. and poetry too... I am a tea drinker and lover. My pantry is filled with all kinds and types of tea. Whenever I travel I look for a tea to bring home.

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