Cupful Connoisseur

I came across a piece recently—an article tracing tea’s quiet presence in art across centuries by Magda Michalska. It wasn’t loud or showy, just… observant. The kind of writing that lingers like steam from a just-poured cup. As a tea sommelier, I’ve always believed tea lives in the in-between: between words, between people, between stories. This article captured that feeling beautifully. Because here’s the thing: tea doesn’t need attention to matter. It’s not a performance. It doesn’t arrive demanding notice. It slips into a room softly, settles on the table, and stays. Artists have painted it for years—not for drama, but for presence. A held moment. A remembered gesture. A shape in the light. Reading it, I felt like I’d found a reflection of what I see every day—how tea, even in stillness, tells stories. Theo van Rysselberghe – Summer Afternoon (Tea in the Garden) (1901) Neo-Impressionist garden chatter, served pointillist-style Summer Afternoon (Tea in the Garden) , 1901-  Curr...

  Long before café menus became a parade of matchas and oolongs, there lived a man in 8th-century China whose relationship with tea shaped everything we know about it today. His name was Lu Yu (陆羽) — and in the world of tea, he’s nothing short of a legend. Revered as the Sage of Tea (茶圣) , he gave the world its first and most respected tea manual: The Classic of Tea (茶经) . But Lu Yu’s story doesn’t begin in royal gardens or bustling markets. It begins quietly, almost like a tealeaf unfurling. 🍵 A Childhood Rooted in Silence & Stillness Lu Yu was born in 733 AD in Tianmen, Hubei Province , central China. Abandoned at the tender age of three near the Longgai Monastery , he was taken in by a compassionate abbot who would unknowingly set the course for tea history. It was under this monk’s guidance that Lu Yu learned not just how to brew tea — but how to understand it. To see it not as a drink, but as a philosophy. 📜 The Classic of Tea — A Manual, A Map, A Meditation Lu Y...

                                                    From bitter memories to botanical bliss—herbal teas in India have come a long way. Once tucked away in nani’s kitchen for sick days, today’s kadha has transformed into a wellness essential. In this post, I explore how ancient remedies are being reborn as trendy infusions, complete with rose petals, blue pea flowers, and pastel packaging.          There was a time when the mere mention of kadha brought back memories of being sick, wrapped in a blanket, and being coaxed (or threatened) into sipping a concoction that smelled like a forest fire. Spices, tulsi, ginger, turmeric, pepper, and a few leaves whose names we never quite knew—all boiled into one bitter, pungent mix of “you’ll feel better tomorrow.” Fast forward to 2025, and kadha —or let’s just call it what it is: her...

  Chaozhou is known for many things, but for tea lovers, it’s the home of Phoenix Dan Cong oolong and Gongfu-style brewing. Tucked into this tea-loving town is a quiet yet influential potter, Yujian Cai , who is shaping more than just clay—he’s shaping the future of how tea is brewed and appreciated. Born in 1996 and raised in a family of ceramicists, Cai quite literally grew up playing with clay. His father and grandfather were both part of Chaozhou’s rich ceramic industry, and he spent his childhood in their studio, surrounded by mud, kilns, and tools. But it wasn’t until he turned 19 that he entered the world of hand-pulled teapots—a craft that would soon become his life’s calling. Why Clay Matters in Chaozhou For those unfamiliar, Chaozhou red clay is prized for its ability to bring out the best in oolong tea. The clay is slightly porous and retains heat beautifully, making it perfect for Gongfu-style brewing. This is especially important when working with Phoenix Dan Cong , ...

  Are Western Tea Traditions Rooted in European Rituals? While European tea traditions are widely recognized and deeply embedded in many Western tea customs today, they are not the sole influence. Tea culture in the West has been shaped by diverse traditions, particularly from Asia and the Middle East. However, Europe has played a pivotal role in refining and popularizing certain tea-time customs that continue to be celebrated worldwide. 1. Tea Sandwiches and Snacks: A Legacy of the Duchess of Bedford. The tradition of serving food with tea is largely credited to the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Stanhope, in 1840. She introduced afternoon tea as a social event to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, offering light snacks alongside tea to recharge and refresh. This ritual not only provided nourishment but also became a statement of hospitality, allowing hosts to display their wealth and exquisite tableware. Today, tea gatherings often feature an array of snacks, from delicate...

  Tea is more than just a beverage; it is a story, a culture, and an experience wrapped in aroma and tradition. As someone who has spent years exploring the nuances of tea—its origins, varieties, and rituals—visiting the world’s finest tea shops has been a pilgrimage of sorts. Each of these establishments offers not just a cup of tea, but a passage into the artistry behind it. 1. Mariage Frères (Paris, France) – The Elegance of French Tea Culture Tucked away in the heart of Paris, Mariage Frères is  a temple of tea, embodying sophistication, history, and innovation . With over  600 meticulously curated teas , their collection spans the rarest first flush Darjeelings to exquisite aged Pu-erhs. The apothecary-like wooden shelves are lined with black, green, white, and oolong teas sourced from every corner of the world.  Their signature blends, such as the  Coup de   Soleil   (vanilla black tea with caramel and   wild   straw...

  The book A Thirst for Empire: How Tea Shaped the Modern World by Erika Rappaport offers a rich and detailed exploration of how the global tea industry not only shaped consumer culture but also influenced empires, economies, and social systems from the 17th to 20th centuries. It demonstrates how tea was deeply intertwined with colonialism, wars, and labor practices, revealing how Europeans adapted and modified Chinese tea culture to create a widespread demand, especially in Britain. The book also shows how the British Empire used tea to fuel plantation economies in South Asia and Africa, leading to changes in land use, labor systems, and global trade. Tea became a vehicle for both political and economic power, showing how commerce and empire-building were deeply linked. Rappaport’s work helps readers understand how tea, as a commodity, played a significant role in shaping the modern consumer society and the global economy. Through detailed historical research, the book highlights...