Gongfu Cha Hosting Online Course:
The Evolution of Gongfu Cha

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 5 Lessons online course explores the evolution of the Chinese tea culture across the dynasties, from Tang to Qing.

After the success of two generations of the course in Israel, now it's time to share the online version to international tea lovers. 6 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 learn through time from the Tang to Qing eras. You will learn different brewing techniques to etiquette and manners ans understand the philosophy behind every ceremonial gesture.

Before starting the course, you will receive a kit of tea  for each dynasty for our practice, and we will brew the tea together like ancient Chinese. Every lesson will be presented in private live meeting on Google Meet. This course is live and not recorded.

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.
- Brewing 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.
- Brewing 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.
- Brewing 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.
- Brewing 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.
- How to continue exploring and growing in the art of Gongfu Cha.