gongfu
TEAWARE
ah, the sheer pleasure of a tiny gongfu (skillful effort) teapot. i call this one Golden Honeypot — no explanation needed — and it’s become a favorite for being able to try any kind of tea (unglazed) and feel bathed in its nurturing glow. in addition to its lustrous beauty, the fast pouring spout, tight fitting lid and perfectly placed knob are all in an incredibly well balanced and compact vessel. these are essential qualities of pots used to steep whole leaf tea in gongfu style: lots of leaves, small vessels, faster steep times than the western leave stewing in water approach. 8-10 steeps that prime the senses with scents (aromatics) is often possible. when i miss the golden leaf showers of east, i can reach for this honeypot’s glow.