Gongfu Cha Hosting Course
Mastering the Art of Chinese Tea Ceremony
 
Elevate your passion for tea into a cultivated practice, and learn how to truly master the rituals and art of gongfu cha, under the guidance of Pink Luk. An intimate 6 Lessons course explores the evolution of the Chinese tea culture across the dynasties, from Tang to Qing, through a blend of theory and hands-on practice.
 
Developed from months of research into original texts and insights from tea masters, the curriculum traces tea's fascinating transition from medicinal plant to a high art form, as you travel through time from the Tang to Qing eras. You will learn different brewing techniques to etiquette and manners, while improving your technical skills and understand the philosophy behind every ceremonial gesture.
 
With Pink's decade of experience hosting endless ceremonies to thousands of guests, passed down directly, this course provides a rare opportunity to elevate your tea hosting abilities to a professional level and spread the culture of gongfu cha in Israel.
 
Lesson 1: Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) - A Turning Point
The foundation of the Chinese tea culture.
Historical context of the Tang Dynasty, early drinking tea habits and brewing methods
"The Classic of Tea" by Lu Yu and its impact on tea culture in the society.
Introduction to the initial forms of gongfu cha.
Hands-on experience: Brewing techniques and tea appreciation of this era.
 
Lesson 2: Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) - A Technological Revolution
The era where tea culture flourished into an art form.
The Golden Era: the imperial influence on tea culture and the art of tea whisking.
The evolution of teaware and the invention of porcelain artwork.
Chadao 茶道: the diversity of tea rituals in Song Dynasty, and how tea rituals shape social and individual values.
Hands-on experience: Preparing a tea ceremony in the Song style.
 
Lesson 3: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) - The Era of Qing Yin 清飲
Significant transformations in tea culture.
Shifting from powdered to loose leaf tea and its cultural and historial implications.
The development of tea making method and brewing techniques.
The rise of teaware: Jingdezhen porcelain, Yixing clay pots and more.
The role of tea in daily life: folks, trading, and tax.
Hands-on experience: Experimenting the early stage of gongfu cha in Ming style.
 
Lesson 4: Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD) - The Refinement of Gongfu Cha
The refinement of Gongfu Cha to what we know today.
The advancement of tea production and tea varieties.
How anicent Chinese adopted Gongfu Cha on social customs and etiquette.
In-depth analysis of teaware craftsmanship.
Hands-on experience: Final form of tea ceremony in Qing style
 
Lesson 5: Hosting a Gongfu Cha Ceremony - Bringing Tradition to Modernity
The art of hosting a modern Gongfu Cha ceremony
The essential elements and principles of a modern Gongfu Cha ceremony.
How to choose the right teaware for the session, understanding materials and craftmanship of modern teaware.
Hands-on experience: One-on-One training on hosting a tea ceremony
 
Lesson 6: Concluding & Personalizing the Gongfu Cha Practice
In the final lesson, each of the participants will choose, present and serve to the class one tea, to hone their Gongfu Cha skills.
Developing a personal style in conducting Gongfu Cha ceremonies.
How to continue exploring and growing in the art of Gongfu Cha.
One-on-one practice sessions with the instructors to refine your skills.
 
More Details:
Course is in English
Limited to 8 students for a focused learning environment
Course participants can enjoy 25% discount on select ceremonial teaware
Course participants can enjoy a weekly self-practice session in the studio throughout the course
Special Price for the Premier Course
Additional discount for BTC members