After Taiwan and coming back to the States, I realized I got infected by the teaware bug. The symptoms were already manifesting themselves while I was in Taiwan, but has grown more acute over time. They include an endless desire to look at, play with, and purchase teaware, a constant obsession with trying to learn more about the various aspects to understanding and dating teaware, a desire to use older, “antique” items, rather than new commercially produced goods. Severe symptoms include an obvious loss of money in the walle for no particular reason, staying up late to browse through forums or sites online to read about the newest piece of info, using a loupe to pore over every inch of yixing wares one owns, and the accumulation of teaware that cannot possibly be all used while the act of accumulating continues unabated.
The upside to all this, of course, is that there’s a real satisfaction with the ownership of every piece, and the increased enjoyment of tea, whether real or imaginary. Right now I’m in the process of trying to change the way I make tea here, but certain items need to arrive from the right places. I even start wondering how I’ve managed to make tea all this time before. I’ve already got pots that I probably can’t use and should, realistically, give away or sell so that I don’t end up having to move around with many duplicate items that no longer serve a purpose. Yet, I’m acquiring more at the same time. This is getting really serious….
I hope you don’t get bitten by the same bug.
1 response so far ↓
Anonymous // January 20, 2008 at 2:27 am |
The only cure is to BUY more stuff . what a great bug . Lucky me back in Taipei 2nd trip this month/year .. FYI Sunday 20th. perfect sunny warm day .. john