Description

SiamTeas Signature Tea Pottery Ensemble – click pictures to enlarge

Tea Pottery  @ Siam Tea Shop – The Signature Line

All elements of the SiamTee Signature line are individually handcrafted pottery aworks of art according to my specifications, taking orientation on the elementary instruments of tea preparation. For this purpose, the Siam Tea Shop collaborates with 2 reputed German master potters with relevant specialization. While the Lower Saxon pottery master Karina Klages has had an international reputation in the field of teaware for several years, Katja Junker initially earned her spurs in general ceramics and, eventually finding a higher calling through Siam Tea Shop.

The clay typically used is a major coining factor of each of the 2 artists’ work. In addition, there there are specific individual style features that are characteristic for any artisan’s work. The goal of the Signature Tea Pottery line was to merge such artist-specific characteristics aesthetically and functionally with those of classic role models. In addition to a tendency towards simplicity in design, there is an aesthetic focus on the nature of the clay. The line therefore often works with unglazed surfaces, highlighting the color and structure of the respective clay.

In line with the aesthetic concept, the functional dimension of the elements of the signature line is based on a philosophy of simplistic perfectionism. This means that the respective function of a vessel finds a rather uncomplicated implementation with focus on smoothest possible use. This in turn harmonizes perfectly with the basic aesthetic concept of simple natural beauty.

SiamTeas Signature Tea Pottery Ensemble, unglazed

The Ensemble Option

Because the 3 core elements of the SiamTeas Signature Tea Ceramics line are children of the same creative and functional spirit, they create a very beautiful ensemble. Therefore, we like to offer these elements at such option. And, of course, this option comes with a price advantage! Whoever gets my Signature Teapot, Shiboridashi and Yuzamashi at the ensemble option, saves more than EUR 30,- compared to the total price of the 3 individual items.

All 3 elements are made from a fine, light, almost white clay that develops dark speckles when fired by the inclusion of droplets of the iron contained in the clay. In addition, different shades of color are created, which form a subtle, visually appealing stripe pattern. The basic color of each piece changes with the light and the environment

Natural pairings

Especially the shiboridashi and the yuzamashi are a pair per se. As the Shiboridashi is preferably used for the preparation of green teas, the addition of a cooling vessel is a requirement. For green teas are usually poured between 60 ° C and 75 ° C, whereas the water needs to cool down before infusing. That said, the water temperature drops by about 10°C during its transfer into the cooling vessel. And the strong walls of the Yuzamashi do one more thing to cool the water very quickly to the target temperature. Thus, the cooling vessel initially saves (waiting) time for the tea preparation. In addition, it brings harmonious flow into any ritual tea preparation and enriches it with a playful as well as an aesthetic element.

Covering the spectrum of teas

The benefits of Shiboridashi and Yuzamashi are also very useful in the preparation of oolong teas with lower oxidation levels as well as some white teas. And for the preparation of all other teas …. there is nothing better than the Yixing teapot! Each element in the ensemble is based on its respective traditional standard. Therefore the vessels do not only functionally leave nothing to wish for. Rather, they are true gems of tea pottery artwork also in aestetical terms.

But why unglazed?

Well, why unglazed …. First of all, it were natural, unglazed works that had initially inspired me. On the one hand, because the natural clay greatly emphasizes the connection between the soil and the tea leaves. Then, because the desirable properties of clay with tea preparation will show best this way. And thirdly, I found the unglazed vessels simply incredibly beautiful and best reflecting the simple character of tea.

You will find detailed descriptions and individual pictures of each of the 3 elements through the following links:

• Shiboridashi 100ml, unglazed, fine yellow clay
• Yuzamashi 250ml, unglazed, fine yellow clay
• SiamTeas Signature Teapot 200ml, unglazed, fine yellow clay

Please note ! Since all SiamTeas Signature tea ceramics are individual handicrafts, virtually every specimen is unique. Therefore, minor deviations in shape and capacity may occur between individual specimens.

You will find Lower Saxon pottery master Karina Klages’ contributions to the SiamTeas Signature Tea Pottery line at the following links:

• The SiamTeas Signature Tea Cup 70ml, light grey clay with white interior glaze
• SiamTeas Signature Shiboridashi Set 120ml, light grey clay with white interior and spontaneous glaze, set with tea cup
• The SiamTeas Signature Shiboridashi 100ml, light grey clay with white interior glaze