There is a wonderful tea museum in Taipei. While serving tea in an aesthetically pleasing space, you can also admire the carefully selected crafts. People from all over the world who hear of such reputations come to visit and are moved, expanding their presence and worldview. The tea museum that became famous in Japan is ``Xiaoman.'' The master's name is Xia Xiaoman. She chose Kyoto as the place to open her second tea museum. A new world of tea is presented in a historic townhouse.

Story by Xie Xiaoman

A fusion of Taiwanese tea culture and Japanese aesthetic sense.
Fun at the Tea Museum in Kyoto

I became fascinated with the world of tea after graduating from a Japanese university and working as a buyer at a Japanese department store for several years before returning to my hometown of Taiwan. She was invited to a tea party, and when she was able to enjoy the tea slowly, she felt happiness in that moment that filled her heart. For me, who was born and raised in Taiwan, tea is something that is familiar to me. Properly brewed tea has a great taste and aroma, and provides a wonderful moment that resonates with all five senses. I knew that, but perhaps my joy had faded in my busy days.

After that, I re-learned everything about tea, such as how to brew, choose, and enjoy tea, and in 2008, I decided to open a tea museum called ``Xiaochang'' in Taipei's Normal University area. In addition to serving tea, we also sell tea leaves and tea utensils, and also have a gallery, with the aim of creating a space that satisfies the five senses of our guests. The works introduced at the gallery are not limited to Taiwanese artists, but also include many Japanese artists. We also sell tea utensils made by artists. The writers I'm attracted to are those who feel love for the "things" they create. I believe that it is not enough just to have the skills; it is important that the work has heart.

In 10, 2018 years after opening our store in Taipei, we opened our second store in Kyoto. Having lived in Japan for a long time, I thought that if I wanted to start a new activity through Taiwanese tea and Chinese tea, Japan would be the best place, especially Kyoto, which has a long history. Kyoto is a beautiful city that attracts many people from all over the world, and the history and traditions of Japan have been passed down from generation to generation, both culturally and architecturally, such as the rows of houses and temples.

This spirituality is similar to Taiwanese tea and Chinese tea, which have been passed down since ancient times. We have completed the Kyoto Kochi by renovating a machiya house that is rooted in Kyoto life using traditional Japanese materials and techniques such as washi paper and plastering. The first floor is a gallery that sells tools for enjoying Taiwanese and Chinese tea, tea leaves and tea sweets that I have selected, and the second floor is a space for classrooms and tea parties. The beauty of the machiya architecture, the light and shadow pouring through the latticework, and the quiet space is exactly how I envision the world of tea.

The renovation of Kyoto Kochi was planned by washi paper artist Wataru Hatano, and about five artists, including architects and metal carvers, created a space that fuses traditional Japanese architecture and Taiwanese tea culture. Hatano is a washi artist who makes Kurotani washi paper, which has been passed down for 800 years in northern Kyoto, and uses it as a tool to create interior spaces.

I have known Mr. Hatano for a long time, and when he visited Xiaoran in Taipei, I met him as an artisan who makes washi paper and immediately saw his work. At first glance, all of the works were so wonderful that I told them, ``Let's hold an exhibition at my house!'' I used to work as a buyer at a department store, so I have always cultivated an eye for discerning good things. The Japanese paper he creates has a unique texture and texture, and is a piece of work that has a presence that combines strength and gentleness. And like his work, he's a passionate babe himself. He has now become a very popular writer not only in Japan but also in Taiwan. At Kyoto Shochaku, Hatano's washi paper is used extensively in the store's sliding doors, ceilings, and table tops. We would like you to come and see this world view.

Also, Kazumi Kawai, a ceramic artist living in Okayama, who I met through Hatano's introduction, is someone I'm looking forward to working with. Mr. Kawai is also an enthusiastic student who comes to Kyoto Shochaku's tea class every month. She feels that the way she makes tea is delicate and that she will definitely become a good tea master. She is someone who hopes that by learning more about tea, she will deepen her skills as a potter and create even better tea utensils.

Sachiko Kutsuzawa, a three-dimensional modeling artist who lives in the mountains of Mie, also creates wonderful works. She is an active person who runs a restaurant called ``Saku'' in Misugi-cho, Mie Prefecture with her husband, Kei, and also owns her own tea farm and produces tea. When she held an exhibition at Kyoto Kochi, she placed a life-sized deer piece in her courtyard. The deer's eyes were truly kind, and how much they comforted the many people who visited. In addition, her Chinese tea utensils have animal carvings on the lids of her bowls, and her works that combine tea utensils with art are innovative.

Enjoying tea is not just about enjoying the tea itself, but also about the space, the preparation, the tea utensils, the food, and so much more. In my classroom, I use seasonal themes, such as cherry blossoms for spring and cool, cold weather for summer, and I sometimes use tea leaves that I have purchased from countries such as India, Vietnam, and Myanmar, as well as Taiwan and China. We also sometimes hold tea parties in collaboration with chefs in conjunction with exhibitions.

I think it's fine to enjoy tea in any way you like. For example, in our classroom in Kyoto, we use spring water from a nearby shrine to brew tea. In Matsumoto, we picked wild flowers, and in India we made welcome tea using jasmine, which was in full bloom.We visualized the local scene, felt the history of the land where tea leaves were born, and felt grateful for the blessings of nature. I think it's important to have one.

Someday, I would like to grow tea in a scenic place surrounded by mountains, pick the flowers that bloom there, and enjoy tea leisurely, but that is still a long way off. Right now, I can't stop dreaming of opening a casual tea bar, doing more research on tea, and creating a space where people can approach tea from various aspects. While valuing the time I have had with the many people I have met through tea, I would like to share the happiness of enjoying a delicious cup of tea with as many people as possible.

→Next time is Wataru Hatano (Japanese paper artist).
(Titles omitted)

Kyoto arrogance
313 Kojincho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
12: 00: 18: 00
Business days: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays (subject to change during exhibitions and events)
About classes and exhibitions
https://www.facebook.com/xiaoman.tea/