The Tea For One Teapot
In Japanese culture, the tea ceremony is considered to be an essence of their aesthetics that is a ritual that dates back as far as the 16th century. Then the illustrious tea master Sen no Rikyu performed cha-do to perfection, or what is called the “way of tea.” Since then it has become a ceremony that has changed very little in nearly half a millennium.
It is important that before you start you own tea ceremony that you gather your tea tools. It is also an ideal idea to have a tea set aside primarily for rituals. However if you do not have a tea set, you must take the time to find one. Searching for the perfect tea for one teapot is not to be hurried. Nothing about tea should be hurried.
In some cases it may take weeks, or even years, before you find the perfect teapot. This should not stop you from searching for one. After all, once you have bought the perfect teapot, the satisfaction and delight that you will experience will make your tea ceremony more special. When you are searching for your teapot you should have an initial idea of what it is you want. What exactly do you want to achieve with your tea ceremony? Do you want to have a teapot that is clear of any designs? Are you searching for a clear style, which will allow wisdom in without being influenced by anything else surrounding your teapot? Or maybe you want a design such as a dragon, or blossoms, or even a peach on your teapot. Maybe you want Chinese writing or a bamboo design that has been delicately traced around your teapot in glaze. You may even be considering an English bone china teapot.
Before deciding on what you feel is right, hold each teapot in your hands. Get a feel for it. Does it feel right? Do not pick a teapot because it looks pretty. However, keep in mind that what you may chose now, you may decide against later. So be prepared to change with what you are feeling as time goes by.
A tea for one teapot is one of the main features of the tea ceremony. After all, the teapot is where you will be holding your water, after you have determined the source of your water. The right teapot will bring your tea to life after the water has been poured in and has been brought to boil. That first taste will make a lasting impression, which is why searching for the right teapot is a process that will take time.
