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
at

51 comments:

  1. Caterina GiglioOctober 4, 2013 at 4:33 AM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 4, 2013 at 12:31 PM

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

      Delete
  2. Judy ShreveOctober 4, 2013 at 4:35 AM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 4, 2013 at 12:32 PM

      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.

      Delete
  3. Linda StarrOctober 4, 2013 at 4:37 AM

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

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    1. ArtPropelledOctober 4, 2013 at 12:33 PM

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

      Delete
  4. AnonymousOctober 4, 2013 at 5:45 AM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 4, 2013 at 12:36 PM

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

      Delete
  5. judeOctober 4, 2013 at 6:07 AM

    a lovely post

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    1. ArtPropelledOctober 4, 2013 at 12:38 PM

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

      Delete
  6. Kathryn DycheOctober 4, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 4, 2013 at 12:39 PM

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

      Delete
  7. wandamarie.blogspot.comOctober 4, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    such a PROVOKING and AWE inspiring post!

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    1. ArtPropelledOctober 4, 2013 at 12:40 PM

      Thank you Wanda. I really enjoyed putting it together.

      Delete
  8. Jeane MyersOctober 4, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 4, 2013 at 12:41 PM

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

      Delete
  9. Chris GrayOctober 4, 2013 at 12:11 PM

    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. UnknownOctober 4, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:18 PM

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

      Delete
  11. Blue Sky DreamingOctober 4, 2013 at 3:04 PM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:19 PM

      The image of the infusers got my attention too!

      Delete
  12. Sophie MunnsOctober 4, 2013 at 7:56 PM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:25 PM

      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.

      Delete
  13. The Weaver of GrassOctober 5, 2013 at 1:47 AM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:26 PM

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

      Delete
  14. Lisa at GreenbowOctober 5, 2013 at 2:29 AM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:28 PM

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

      Delete
  15. BarryOctober 5, 2013 at 4:11 AM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:36 PM

      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.

      Delete
  16. Annie CoeOctober 5, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    Robyn,

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

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    1. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:37 PM

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

      Delete
  17. Velma BolyardOctober 5, 2013 at 10:55 AM

    ahh, what is it about a cup of tea?

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  18. india flintOctober 5, 2013 at 12:12 PM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:16 PM

      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.

      Delete
  19. Don MaddenOctober 5, 2013 at 5:17 PM

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

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    1. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:39 PM

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

      Delete
  20. ZenDotStudioOctober 5, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 5, 2013 at 7:41 PM

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

      Delete
  21. Jo MurrayOctober 6, 2013 at 11:50 AM

    Thanks for all those great images and FABULOUS links.

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  22. Mary JoOctober 7, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    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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  23. mansuetudeOctober 7, 2013 at 4:38 PM

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

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  24. Fiona DempsterOctober 9, 2013 at 3:24 AM

    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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  25. Kerri JeanOctober 9, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    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. ArtPropelledOctober 10, 2013 at 7:28 AM

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

      Delete
  26. P.D. CrumbakerOctober 10, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    What a stunning collection, both words and images.

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  27. layersOctober 14, 2013 at 10:43 PM

    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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