Month in Pictures (January ’17)

The year is off to a good start after receiving these 3 #tea jars. They're made extra special due to the light pink-purple hue, which can only be produced when the weather is just right.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 1, 2017 at 9:52am PST

More teaware coming in the next few weeks, including these two rustic wood fired teapots. #tea

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 2, 2017 at 11:30am PST

Another favourite from our upcoming artist's series, this teacup features intricately painted sparrows on an eggshell-like surface. Each of these #tea cups are a collaboration between a ceramics studio and artists in Jingdezhen. The cups are wood fired at 1400C, then an artist paints a scene or subject that fits the result of the firing, after which it's fired again at 900C to seal the artwork.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 3, 2017 at 10:17am PST

Sharing some of what remains of the now extinct Sabertooth dianhong and some red bean desserts with a friend today. #tea

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 5, 2017 at 10:29am PST

Just a tease of one of several new wood fired Jianshui zitao teapots we picked up recently. #tea

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 6, 2017 at 10:24am PST

There's no better #tea on a cold day than some shou puer. Today was some classic 7581 from 2005.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 7, 2017 at 9:27am PST

One of many pictures from today's shoot of this "rosegold" wood fired Jianshui teapot. #tea

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 8, 2017 at 9:47am PST

The lack of central heating in Kunming means it can still get chilly inside in the winter. Chewie seems to have found the the best spot in the house for a nap though, and some #tea and reading for us.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 9, 2017 at 10:09am PST

The lack of central heating in Kunming means it can still get chilly inside in the winter. Chewie seems to have found the the best spot in the house for a nap though, and some #tea and reading for us.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 9, 2017 at 10:09am PST

Enjoyed today's #tea with a wood fired pairing of shipiao teapot and Bhodhidharma tea pet.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 11, 2017 at 11:17am PST

As year of the monkey winds down, we've already got the perfect teacup in hand to welcome this year's rooster. Each of these #tea cups are a collaboration between a ceramics studio and artists in Jingdezhen. The cups are wood fired at 1400C, then an artist paints a scene or subject that fits the result of the firing, after which it's fired again at 900C to seal the artwork.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 12, 2017 at 11:06am PST

Testing out the pour on one of several new wood fired Jianshui teapots. With an extra large mouth, this one looks hungry for some puer.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 13, 2017 at 10:08am PST

These cups are a fairly unusual and unique find. This style of painting, called "gong bi hua" (工笔画), is more traditional. However, for these teacups, the artist decided to paint fine lines on a more organic looking surface that features carbon trappings, providing a nice contrast. These also serve as a fitting symbol for the Chinese new year/spring festival, as there is a saying: "flowers bloom, fortune comes" (花开富贵).

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 14, 2017 at 9:09am PST

Some new teardrop teacups and #tea.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 15, 2017 at 8:33am PST

New teacups are almost here, just in time for CNY.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 16, 2017 at 11:28am PST

New teacups are almost here, just in time for CNY.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 16, 2017 at 11:28am PST

Due to unexpected events, we're a day late on adding some new teaware. We promise to have new tea teaware up before the CNY shipping break though, including these ruyao year of the chicken teacups.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 18, 2017 at 9:53am PST

Due to unexpected events, we're a day late on adding some new teaware. We promise to have new tea teaware up before the CNY shipping break though, including these ruyao year of the chicken teacups.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 18, 2017 at 9:53am PST

Spent part of the afternoon yesterday screen printing puer paper for our 2016 fall Guafengzhai raw puer. #tea

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 20, 2017 at 10:11am PST

Spent part of the afternoon yesterday screen printing puer paper for our 2016 fall Guafengzhai raw puer. #tea

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 20, 2017 at 10:11am PST

Chairman decided to do an extra inspection of some teaware we gathered for an upcoming sample sale. #tea

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 22, 2017 at 8:40am PST

2 beauties we'll be including in our secret teaware sample sale after the Chinese new year. #tea

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 23, 2017 at 10:34am PST

High mountain milanxian Dancong Wulong in one cup, a succulent in the other. Think our year of the roster cups are only good for #tea? Think again!

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 24, 2017 at 10:51am PST

Using some 2002 Old Stalk bamboo stuffed raw puer while testing out a #tea filter made from a real leaf. Apparently it can be used for up to a month… We think more testing is needed though, and will report back with results.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 25, 2017 at 11:58am PST

Happy Year of the Rooster everyone! 春节快乐！ We said goodbye to the Monkey with some of our Year if the Monkey Yiwu cake – one of our favourites from last year. And the testing of the bhodi leaf #tea strainer continues. So far so good….

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 27, 2017 at 8:05pm PST

Enjoying our first #tea in the Year of the Rooster and one of our favourites from 2016 – Take My Breath Away Mang Fei.

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 29, 2017 at 9:23am PST

Today's #tea: Top Shelf Nectar Milanxiang Dancong Teacups: New ones (taken from a middle shelf) Tea towel: Red

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 30, 2017 at 10:02am PST

Just received new teacups in a new glaze – 3 flavours in all. #tea

A post shared by Bitterleaf (@bitterleafteas) on Jan 31, 2017 at 9:58am PST