Thanks for visiting our site!
Collectable Chinese Scroll
Checkout Ebay Auctions For The Cheapest Prices
 |
US $17.59
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
Here are some more information for Collectable Chinese Scroll:
Refined and adjusted to its current form, the Japanese Tea Ceremony is one of the more difficult art forms for westerners to understand. The regimented movements and actions seem to fly in the face of the intention behind the ceremony, which is to foster a feeling of harmony and calm. But once examined as a discipline, it can be translated into something that non Japanese people can absorb.
The first thing that must be considered is the setting. Small rooms that are constructed specifically for tea ceremonies between the host and a single guest are often placed with a view of a well maintained garden or a natural setting free from distractions. Larger settings can be done, but the overriding concern is that there be a simple setting where the guests can focus on the moment. Most tea ceremonies will have a small alcove with an artistic piece, such as a scroll, flower arrangement or bonsai is placed. Otherwise, the room should be comfortable, simple and clear of things that draw attention away from the participants and the tea. Once the setting is established, the host makes sure that the area and the approach to it are as clean as possible. In settings that have a stone walk way or path, even the stones will be rinsed free of dust.
When the guests arrive, they remove their footwear, much like any proper Japanese setting. They are also wash their hands and rinse their mouths from a small stone basin. If this is not available, hot steamed towels are offered instead to at least wash their hands. There is no implications that anyone is not hygienic meant by this. It is actually a symbolic gesture towards leaving the dust of everyday life behind for a short time and approach the tea with a clear mind.
If a traditional charcoal fire is being used to heat the water, the host will wait until everyone is seated before laying the fire. Then a light meal of several courses is presented, with each dish being individually brought to a guest. The food should already be plated and ready to be eaten. The guests should not have to serve or cut anything as this is considered a lack of preparation on the host's part. Sake is served, but only a single small cup to cleanse the palette. A single sweet that each guests carries is the end of the meal. This is to indicate that each person brings something unique to the event.
After the meal, guests are invited to the waiting area or garden while the room is cleared of dishes. There should be no work done in the presence of guests. When the room is again ready, the host invites the guests back for their tea. In the presence of the other participants, the host will then clean each utensils with a cloth, using prescribed motions. The practice needed to do this is much like a dance. It should be done privately so often that the host need not struggle to remember any steps. This is one of the true indicators of mastery of the tea ceremony.
The tea itself is made using a thicker ratio of the powdered green tea than is usual. The measuring and mixing is all done in a specifically made bowl and even the number of turns made while whisking is decided by tradition. Once the tea is ready, the guest will receive it form the host or an assistant. Before drinking, the guest will bow to the host as a sign of respect. The bowl is then lifted and turned back towards the host. The guest then inhales to experience the aroma, takes a sip and gives a bow of the head to the bowl. That person then wipes the place they sipped from and will either offer the bowl to the next guest or back to the host, depending on the number of participants. This continues until everyone present has sampled the stronger tea.
The host then removes the bowl from the room and when returning, will bring more confections and begins making individual cups of tea that follows a more usual ratio of tea to water. This is the less formal stage fo the ceremony, and afterward the host wipes all the utensils clean. The guest of honor will then ask to examine the artistry of the utensils used and the host will allow them to be passed around. These items are often handed down from generation to generation and many are works of art in their own right. Once all this is done, the host will escort the guests to the door and once the host bows to them as they leave, the ceremony is complete.
These steps are not done as a sign of opulence on the host's part. They are done as a sign of respect for the guests. All of the ritual and practice are used to remove any discomfort or unexpected incidents that usually happen during a less formal occasion. The tea ceremony is one of the few situations where the entire practice, from start to finish, is meant to calm the people present and give them a refuge from the usual chaos of life. The tea being central to this shows that it is more than a beverage, it can be a strong symbol of peaceful interaction.
Steve Green writes for unityteapots.com - selling Yixing clay teapots online.
Travel Kochi, India
Kerala's most visited tourist destination Kochi consists the beautiful sea front with Chinese fishing nets and stalls selling seafood. Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is one of the principal seaports of India and is located in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 kilometers (137 mi) from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. It is the second largest city of Kerala after the Thiruvananthapuram. Kochi is popularly known, as the Queen of Arabian Sea is the commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Cochin was once the major center of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch etc. It is regarded as the industrial capital and commercial hub of Kerala. Traveling Kochi is a great experience and there are many tourist attractions.
Getting There: Cochin is well connected by air and Rail from all major cities in India. If you wish to travel by Air, Kochi is connected by excellent air network to all major cities in India. A network of national and state highways very well services Kochi, an important commercial center of the South India, connecting it to all major centers of the area.
Best Season, Climate and Clothing: Being situated very close to the sea, Kochi has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June-August. Winter starts from December and continues till February. In summer, the temperature rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. Annual average rainfall is 310 cm.
Tourist attractions
Bolghatty Palace: Bolghatty Palace is situated in Boghatty Island; a palm fringed island accessible easily from the mainland. The Dutch built the Palace in 1744, converted into a hotel at present. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The island has a fine golf course and excellent view. There are frequent boat services available from the mainland.
Fort Kochi beach: A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a memorable experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has many small food stalls which serve mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.
Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced the exclusive Chinese fishing nets here. Chinese Fishing Nets, used at high tide exhibits a mechanical method of catching fish at Fort Kochi. The entire stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.
Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace: The Portuguese originally built this palace in 1555 AD. In the 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the king of Kochi. It was the coronation platform of many kings of Kochi in the past. This palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the great Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish Synagogue was built in the year 1568. There are Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers magnificently decorate the synagogue. This palace is located near the Dutch Palace. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.
Hill Palace: Hill Palace museum is situated 12 km away from Eranakulam. The king of Kochi built it in the 19th century. At present this palace has been converted into a museum. There are different types of sculptures; rare coins, old weapons, the throne, the crown, ancient manuscripts and artifacts of Cochin Royal Family on display.
St. Francis Church: The Portuguese originally built The Protestant church in 1510 AD. It is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is said that the Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama was buried here; 14 years hence his remains were taken to Portugal. The exact burial place of Vasco da Gama is ear marked inside the church.
Santa Cruz Baslica Church, Fort Kochi: The original church was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and named cathedral in 1558. The British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795. The current structure was built in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. This Roman Catholic Church is situated close to St. Francis Church and it is worth visiting. It has some beautiful paintings.
Vasco House, Fort Kochi: Vasco house, located on Rose Street, is believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India. Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived here. This house features European glass paned windows and verandahs.
Willingdon Island: This Island is an important part of Kochin. It is a man-made island created from the material dredged while deeping Kochin Port. It is situated between the main land Ernakulam and the old town Mattancherry that is separated by the backwaters.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary is situated in the heart of the city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory birds.
Museum of Kerala History: The museum has on display spectacular audio-visual exhibits depicting the history and culture of Kerala along with life size statues of famous personalities and paintings depicting the history of Kerala.
Edappalli: Edappally; the centre for Visual Arts and Gallery Paintings & Sculptures is located next to the museum of Kerala History. It houses around two hundred original paintings of recognized Indian masters, both contemporary and past.
Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort: It is the oldest surviving European fort in India, built by the Portuguese in 1503, situated in Pallipuram on Vypeen Island.
Cherai Beach: This lovely beach ideal for swimming is located on Vypeen Island, one of the many small islands just off the mainland. The beach is lined by coconut groves and paddy fields. It can be reached by land or boat.
Marine Drive: A stroll along the long coastal pathway that lines the backwater is worth a visit especially in the evening. The backwaters dotted with fishing boats, speedboats, ships, tankers and passenger boats can be observed from this walkway.
Veega Land: Veega Land is South India's largest amusement park situated 14 Kms from Cochin. This park has attractions such as mini castles, water theme park, ferries, wheel rides, slide shows and fountains.
SPECIALS
Kathakali performance: Kathakali is a traditional dance form of Kerala. The dancers make impressive facial expressions; hand gestures and dance moves that can leave the beholder spellbound. Kathakali See India Foundation, The Cochin Cultural Centre, and Art Kerala organize Kathakali performances every evening.
Boat ride: Traditional kettuvallom (boat) the backwaters separating Ernakulam from Fort Kochi and Mattanchery are dotted with many small and mid-sized islands. A boat ride through the backwaters is an unforgettable experience.
About the Author
I co-own online travel company named www.travinfoindia.com It is an elaborate India travel facilitation inclusive of hotels, destinations, sight seeing, air/rail tickets, transportation and transfers through single window.
Regards
Anil Baree
Email: anil@travinfoindia.com
Royal wedding souvenirs are a mug's game
Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding will be a bonanza for souvenir makers. But does royal memorabilia ever turn into an investment for the future? Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement this week has already sent Chinese factories whirring into production knocking out souvenirs to mark the great event. Asda was first to pay its respects, filling its shelves with a £5 ...
Thanks for visiting!
