CAI GUO-QIANG
|
Tea Pavilion
2013 9
The
gongfu
tea ceremony is an important aspect of Chinese tea culture.
Gongfu
originated
in Guangdong province, which is located very close to the border of Fujian province.
Gongfu
,
sometimes referred to as
kung-fu
, whilst closely associated with martial arts - actually means
the ‘art and skill of doing something well’.
A
gongfu
tea ceremony involves precise and flowing movements involving careful skill, all of
which are designed to encourage tea drinkers to appreciate its flavour and aroma.
During a
gongfu
ceremony several short infusions are taken from one measure of tea leaves,
which gives each infusion a distinctive taste. Small Yixing clay teapots are used to brew the tea,
which is then dispensed into tall ‘aroma’ cups, with tiny clay cups placed on top. The two cups
are then inverted in a turning motion, upside down into the drinking cup. This action symbolizes
the tale of the carp jumping over Dragon Gate, which encourages success through the act of hard
work and perseverance:
A river was blocked by a Dragon Gate, the carp in the river knew that the scenery over the other
side of the Dragon Gate was beautiful, so they decided to attempt to take a look. After many
attempts, a strong and wilful carp jumped over the gate and suddenly turned into a dragon.
May King Tsang performing
the traditional
gongfu
Chinese
Photograph: © QAGOMA
Photography
Gongfu
tea ceremony
