Tea
 History of Tea:
According to legend, Shen Nung (The god of Herbs, the Chinese father of agriculture and leader of an ancient clan) discovered tea plants around 2700 B.C. At that time, drinking water are boiled as a hygienic precaution. One summer or autumn day while visiting a distant region, dried leaves from a near by tea plants fell into the boiling water and subsequently changed the water and produced a fragrant brew. Shen Nung drank the liquid and found it very refreshing. That's how tea was created.
The Japanese Influence:
Japan was introduced to tea by Yensei, a returning Buddhist priest residing in China at the time of the discovery. Tea was immediately embraced by Japanese society and resulted in the creation of the intricate Japanese Tea Ceremony, elevating tea to an art form.
The Tea Ceremony:
Valued for its medicinal qualities, tea was imported from China in the 8th century. The nobility tool to drinking it at lavish parties, and Murato Shuko (1422-1502) later developed the custom's spiritual aspects, which appealed to the samurai. The point of the ritual (chaji), in which a light meal and whipped powdered tea (matcha) are served by a host to a few invited guests, is summed up by the smaurai notion "one lifetime, one meeting", (ichifo, ichie).
The Way of Tea:
The tea ceremony is a well orchestrated series of events. The ritual involves meeting the guests, walking through the grounds of the teahouse, performing ablutions, entering a cell-like room, meeting the host, admiring the features of the room and tea utensils, watching the tea being prepared, bowing, and consuming the food and tea. Each part of the ritual is symbolic; ultimately it is an appreciation of the moment that counts.
Good thing about tea
- Chamomile tea is used to reduce stress, promote relaxation and restful sleep.
Boosting the immune function of skin cells.
- Green tea relieves fatigue and stress.
- A cup of tea is also a good source of manganese, which is essential for general physical development, and potassium which helps to maintain your body's fluid balance.
- And many more…
Teapot:
 When I was in Japan, I bought a beautiful kyusu teapot set for Charlene at Oriental Bazzar. The teapot set is a Kutani ware. The history of Kutani ware goes back to the beginning of the Edo period (1655). The first lord of Daishouji feudal clan discovered magnetite in a gold mine located in the Kutani territory which he owner.
Kutani developed from Kokutani (old Kutani), which differed from other works with its use of powerful, bold, and magnificent designs using five main colours: green, yellow, red, purple and deep blue. The first step in the creation of Kutani ware is an artisan's skillful shaping of the piece on the potter's wheel, which is followed by another artisan's skillful painting. In this way, a series of craftsmen painstakingly work to create finished pieces that reflect the original, dignified spirit of Kutani ware.
Oriental Bazzar:
Oriental Bazzar is the most famous of souvenir and crafts shops at Harajuku district, Tokyo, Japan. The store offers four floors of souvenir and gifts item and the items are in reasonable price. It is a must stop for all the travel shoppers.
Oriental Bazaar
5-9-13 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, 150-0001 Japan
Phone: +81 (0)3 3400 3933
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