I should mention that rainwater tanks are standard in rural Australia. A house with a tank next to it is a normal sight, nothing ugly about it. Since the town water mains (pipes) don’t come out to where we live, we are dependent on a tank. The tank is connected to a pump that pumps the water into the house, supplying water to taps in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as the shower in the bathroom. When there was a very dry winter last year we had to buy water to fill the tank. I don’t know if a rainwater tank would be suitable for a suburban block in California, though. It would cost quite a bit (thousands of dollars, including the cost of a base for the tank to rest on), would take up space in the garden, and might be an eyesore. It would need to be connected to your rainwater gutters in order to collect water. You would also have to go outside to get your water. But there are slim tank designs that can fit in gaps and tight spaces that might suit your purposes. It depends how keen you are to have your own supply of natural water!
I didn't realize how off-grid you are! I am in northern New Mexico this summer and they get a lot of desert rain.. seems like it would be a perfect place for these tanks. The property owner has a well, but the casitas all are connected to city water... I am sure they have tanks in California, but I have never known anyone to have one.
We’re only ten minutes’ drive from the nearest town, but the area is rural (farming) with urbanisation creeping fairly close. (However, council has thankfully put a stop to farmers selling their farms to developers). We live on a very large acreage and have everything but town water. We really need to get a second tank, then we’d be fine.
I mostly drink coffee (caffeine addiction) although I also drink tea (made with tea bags). Pu-erh is a good solution. Strong earthy flavour blends well with strong-tasting water.
Of course you can get rainwater tanks in California. Just google them. We’re talking about something a reasonable size. I’m sure they would cost a bit and require some space next to the house, but it’s wonderful to have your own supply of drinkable water, totally separate from town water. No chemicals, just clean, fresh water. Every time it rains you think: “Wonderful, I can just hear my tank filling up!” (Not so good if you don’t have access to town water and there’s a drought! But I like drinking tank water.)
I bought my perfect teapot at Yixing many years ago. Zisha. Just a little teapot, enough for one cup, nontraditional, tall rather than flat, beautifully curved. I accidentally broke the lid about ten years ago :( Have never seen one the same.
If you want decent water, instal a rainwater tank. No nasty chemicals, just clean water. But have it cleaned out at long intervals.
Zisha are very breakable, aren't they? I have never heard of a rain tank... I wonder if they have them here. Do you drink much tea anymore? I am back to drinking it after several years of just drinking coffee... puerh remains my favorite. I think it tastes okay even with so-so hard water...
Tea club in Kyoto, is that a public place/event or a private group? If public, could you share more info? Would love to check it out when next in town.
Have you been to the Japanese gallery at the British Museum, right at the top? I always enjoy going there, especially to see the Jomon flame pots. And of course the sets of samurai armor, which are the big stars of that particular gallery.
Beautiful musings. You reminded me that I've been looking for a small tetsubin so I can practice tea ceremony at home (mainly ryakubon & chabako) but I've wanted to stock up on some loose-leaf teas too. You definitely also made me want to read up on tea pots so I can try & brew the perfect cup although I'm not sure Tokyo water is suitable...
I used to also practice with a little tetsubin at home. I really love doing that. Right now I’m so lazy. I’m using this fellows hot pot. It’s really good looking and it kind of has the feeling of point from a teapot. It’s a better way for me to control the water from California.
(Of course, the water comes off your roof into the tank.)
Was imaging those cisterns in Venice... :)
I should mention that rainwater tanks are standard in rural Australia. A house with a tank next to it is a normal sight, nothing ugly about it. Since the town water mains (pipes) don’t come out to where we live, we are dependent on a tank. The tank is connected to a pump that pumps the water into the house, supplying water to taps in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as the shower in the bathroom. When there was a very dry winter last year we had to buy water to fill the tank. I don’t know if a rainwater tank would be suitable for a suburban block in California, though. It would cost quite a bit (thousands of dollars, including the cost of a base for the tank to rest on), would take up space in the garden, and might be an eyesore. It would need to be connected to your rainwater gutters in order to collect water. You would also have to go outside to get your water. But there are slim tank designs that can fit in gaps and tight spaces that might suit your purposes. It depends how keen you are to have your own supply of natural water!
I didn't realize how off-grid you are! I am in northern New Mexico this summer and they get a lot of desert rain.. seems like it would be a perfect place for these tanks. The property owner has a well, but the casitas all are connected to city water... I am sure they have tanks in California, but I have never known anyone to have one.
We’re only ten minutes’ drive from the nearest town, but the area is rural (farming) with urbanisation creeping fairly close. (However, council has thankfully put a stop to farmers selling their farms to developers). We live on a very large acreage and have everything but town water. We really need to get a second tank, then we’d be fine.
It sounds wonderful! And it is better to have your own water. I love have solar and being off the power grid to some extent.
The area is beautiful and the air is clean (except when someone wants to burn a few trees or logs).
I mostly drink coffee (caffeine addiction) although I also drink tea (made with tea bags). Pu-erh is a good solution. Strong earthy flavour blends well with strong-tasting water.
Of course you can get rainwater tanks in California. Just google them. We’re talking about something a reasonable size. I’m sure they would cost a bit and require some space next to the house, but it’s wonderful to have your own supply of drinkable water, totally separate from town water. No chemicals, just clean, fresh water. Every time it rains you think: “Wonderful, I can just hear my tank filling up!” (Not so good if you don’t have access to town water and there’s a drought! But I like drinking tank water.)
Going to explore it!!!!
I bought my perfect teapot at Yixing many years ago. Zisha. Just a little teapot, enough for one cup, nontraditional, tall rather than flat, beautifully curved. I accidentally broke the lid about ten years ago :( Have never seen one the same.
If you want decent water, instal a rainwater tank. No nasty chemicals, just clean water. But have it cleaned out at long intervals.
Zisha are very breakable, aren't they? I have never heard of a rain tank... I wonder if they have them here. Do you drink much tea anymore? I am back to drinking it after several years of just drinking coffee... puerh remains my favorite. I think it tastes okay even with so-so hard water...
I'll share this with a genius artist of mine - he is from Hong Kong and runs a tea club in Kyoto.
Tea club in Kyoto, is that a public place/event or a private group? If public, could you share more info? Would love to check it out when next in town.
Private, but you can have a look here: https://www.instagram.com/teajclub/
Oh, it looks fun but yes, probably only viable for residents. Thank you for sharing anyway!
Get it touch if you are in town!
Hong Kong, my dream place! I haven't been back since 2002.. I bet it has changed!
As always, I love the depth of detail here. Who knew a teapot wasn't just...a teapot.
A teapot is never just a teapot :)
Now I want a perfect teapot too!
You must!! :)
Enjoyed this.
Brought back memories of the Percival David collection at the British Museum, and of enjoying a Chinese tea ceremony in China.
I never saw the Percival David Collection-- I would LOVE to visit!!!!
It's really nice.
Have you been to the Japanese gallery at the British Museum, right at the top? I always enjoy going there, especially to see the Jomon flame pots. And of course the sets of samurai armor, which are the big stars of that particular gallery.
I've only been to the National Portrait Gallery--I really need to find myself back in London again someday!!
Beautiful musings. You reminded me that I've been looking for a small tetsubin so I can practice tea ceremony at home (mainly ryakubon & chabako) but I've wanted to stock up on some loose-leaf teas too. You definitely also made me want to read up on tea pots so I can try & brew the perfect cup although I'm not sure Tokyo water is suitable...
I used to also practice with a little tetsubin at home. I really love doing that. Right now I’m so lazy. I’m using this fellows hot pot. It’s really good looking and it kind of has the feeling of point from a teapot. It’s a better way for me to control the water from California.
https://fellowproducts.com/products/stagg-ekg-electric-pour-over-kettle
It’s called an electric pour over kettle. It will never have the same feeling as an iron tea pot of course
It looks convenient & I think it’s great for making fancy coffee (which I’m a fan of) too. You might grow out of your laziness before you know it.
I might grow out of it!