Author / Su Ying Chun, Photography / Chen Ming Chong
Bathed in the warm winter sun one afternoon, I came out of the Yingge train station. There were shops packed with ceramic and pottery. Teaware, vases and dinner-ware were displayed, shelf to shelf, competing for attention. Amidst this, Feng Qing Hall stood out among the rest. In the uncluttered shop windows were tastefully appointed tea presentations. This set the stage for the teaware, which looked more lively and vibrant than the rest. There seemed to be an imaginary dialogue going on between these displays and the people appreciating them from the other side of the window. So great was the lure that I had a sudden urge to use the teaware to make some tea and sit down for a leisurely sip.
Established in 1986, Feng Qing Hall has since been selling tea ware. They are committed to designing ceramic pieces using traditional skills with innovative applications. Aside from traditional glazes such as Caledon, bluish-white, multi-chrome and contrasting colours, they have also reinvented the use of unique glazes to develop gliding glazes, which enrich the appearance and enhanc the appeal of teaware.
Lin Shou Ru, who operates Feng Qing Hall, reveals that Japan was their major market in the early days. The tea ware was smaller, exuding understated elegance. They were a hit in Japan, and well-received in Taiwan as well. Recently, however, Feng Qing Hall has moved towards a more westernized market, and launched larger-sized tea ware ideal for black tea, herbal tea and Puerh which are the favorites of Western customers. To Qing Feng Hail, the full flavor of tea can only be released if the right kind of teaware is used. This is why they have improved on the designs of teaware to venture into new markets.
Besides their elegant and delicate teaware, the more recent creations are among the most popular ones. These include the "Gliding Glaze" series, the "Autumnal Moon" series and the "Peony" series. Traditional in shape, the "Gliding Glaze" series is innovative in its used of brilliant colors, giving it an iridescent look. Feng Qing Hall has teamed up with renowned multi-chromed artist Zhang Mei Yun and ceramic painter Liu Wu to develop this series. The result is ceramic pieces that show off the gilding glaze perfectly. The bold and brilliant glaze is simply captivating and remains one of the Feng Qing Hall's prominent creations. The "Autumnal Moon" and the "Peony" series of teaware are more recent offers by Qing Feng Hall.
Different kinds of materials are used in the "Autumnal Moon' series for a versatile look. More subdued glaze is used to harmonize the shapes. It has been developed for serving red tea and herbal tea. Therefore, it is larger in size. The graceful style makes it ideal for afternoon tea, English style.
The "Peony" series, on the other hand, takes on a more oriental motif. Round teacups and square feet hint at the popular Chinese belief of a "Great Round Heaven and Square Earth". The clashing shapes add to the series" visual interest. Peony, the symbol of wealth, is chosen as the subject of decoration, because the series targets the Asian markets. The series is ideal for brewing Puerh.
Traditionally, firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea were dubbed the seven necessities of daily life. This shows just how important tea is. To serve tea we need teaware. Feng Qing Halls self-entrusted mission b to use teaware to bring out the best in tea. and the art of living. It is their wish to bring the beauty of tea to everyone, and to build a sustainable brand.