These are your -my readers'- words, commenting this Cha Bu in my previous article. I couldn't agree more! The repeating pattern of this Chinese painting looks great even with no accessories on it. Because of this, each Cha Bu is a little different, depending on where the fabric was cut. Some emphasize the bamboo, other the pine tree:
I made this Cha Bu a little smaller than the previous one. It measures 52 x 33 cm approximately. The smaller surface makes it a little less distracting for the eyes. And it also makes it more affordable!
This reversible Cha Bu has 2 options for the second side. Either a burgundy red (see left) or light beige matching the color of the painting (I will post a picture on another occasion). There is a third layer, an absorbing cotton fabric, between these two sides to absorb the water and tea drops that fall down during brewing.
The fabric can handle some drops here and there, but best is to keep them to a minimum. Compared to a bamboo tray, this may seem a drawback. It's not. It's an incentive to be more focused, precise and careful on how you pour. Concentration helps to pay more attention to details, make better tea and enjoy it thoroughly! It isn't just about aesthetics. It's functional as well!
Here, with the second side, I use the same ivory porcelain and Duo Qio teapot. But this time I brew some 'perfect' Hsin Chu Oriental Beauty from 2007. Day and night.
Here, with the second side, I use the same ivory porcelain and Duo Qio teapot. But this time I brew some 'perfect' Hsin Chu Oriental Beauty from 2007. Day and night.
The beauty of your setting is incredible. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend.
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The Cha Bu is beautiful either way.
ReplyDelete...and those words are not even enough to describe this beautiful chaxi.
ReplyDeleteQuestion:
Did you make the chabu by yourself?
Is there any strict rules on measurement when it comes to Chabu?
How about colors? From what I remember from older chinese people before, they have some "unpreferred colors", but are most colors acceptable in Taiwan now in the modern days?
If you as french maybe (naturally) don´t go all the way chinese, I think the more interesting it is to hear your opinion. I mean it is an art (talent)to have seemed able to blend chinese and french culture/way of thinking. Thankful if you share it with us chinese who live in another country.
/Celina
Superbe Cha Bu effectivement !
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your words of praise.
ReplyDeleteCelina,
I selected the fabric and designed the dimensions. Cutting and sewing is done by a seamstress. See here:
http://teamasters.blogspot.com/2008/04/cha-bu-tea-masters-creations-1.html
In theory, there are some sizes that are auspicious and some that are not. (If you purchase a meter in Taiwan, the 'good' length are marked in red.) However, I don't follow these rules. It depends more what is the size of the surface you want to cover. In this case, I tried to maximize the surface from the fabric and avoid waste.
Then, it's a matter of matching the color of the fabric to the tea ware and to a certain feeling, atmosphere. The quality of the fabric is also very important. The ones I choose are made for quilting. They have a depth and nice touch. They shouldn't be one dimensional and boring. But, like tea itself, a door to appreciate a very essential art work, here textile.
Thanks, this is interesting. Be checking your collections for this.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the link, it has answered my other questions when it comes to chabu and gong fu cha (which has more tendency to water droppings which you mentioned to avoid as possible).
/Celina
So lovely!
ReplyDelete