The Educational Series is a genuine opportunity I am offering to my readers to learn about the different aspects of age tea. You have read the descriptions. Now you can share in the experience!
Part of the appeal of historical tea is that it connects us to key events chronicled in history. There is a romance and wonder involved in reliving the history that is captured in these ancient leaves. This can be further emphasized during a tea session through tangible experiences that reaffirms noteworthy traits from the period of time that the tea represents. This goes beyond age and the maturity of the tea but propels us deeper towards exploring various aspects within the fabric of society and governance in history and how the significance of each era impacted the people, environment and hence the tea that was produced. This sample pack is an opportunity to experience rare and historic Liu An teas. The 3 Eras of Liu An Tea combines 3 Liu An Teas in a Sample Pack. The 3 Eras of Liu An represents three very different time periods of varying social affluence, the standing of Liu An tea in the market, changes in the tea growing environment, belief and ideology, and the impact of technology and trends on the work of tea processing. These factors and conditions are the driving force that shape each era and thus each era of Liu An tea that is produced.
The 3 Eras of Liu An Tea Sample Pack
2 SIZES - Small / Large
2 SIZES - Small / Large
1) 1950s Liu An Sun Yishun
2) 1970s Liu An Sun Yishun
3) 2000s Liu An Sun Yishun
2) 1970s Liu An Sun Yishun
3) 2000s Liu An Sun Yishun
Small (3x7g) - Sample Pack
Large (3x15g) - Sample Pack
Large (3x15g) - Sample Pack
Payments by PAYPAL
Contact me at varatphong@yahoo.com
Contact me at varatphong@yahoo.com
The Antique Era of Liu An Tea (Pre-1950s)
For much of China’s history the Chinese conducted trades and adhered under the principals of capitalism. This allowed the elites consisting of nobles, wealthy landlords and merchants to accumulate colossal fortunes that gave them great influence over society. High-end products that catered to their needs were produced to the highest quality by skilled craftsmen utilizing the best materials. Some of these items were comparable to what could be found in the Imperial Palace. The appreciation of Liu An tea by the elites propelled the production and craftsmanship of this tea to its highest level. The Sun Yishun brand is regarded as the most valued and famous of the time. Time and scarcity has made Liu An from this era very precious and rare. The supreme grade Liu An baskets from this era captures the excellence and refinery that is symbolic of the wealth and affluence of the period of capitalism in mainland China. The meticulous and labor intensive craftsmanship of these ancient Liu An baskets is evident from the appearance of the leaves and in the appreciation of the tea. The brew is rich and elegant possessing depth, potency and an expansive sweetness that lingers in the throat. Despite the long years of aging the strength and energy of the tea remains well intact. The tea is very giving and durable allowing for many steeps under Gongfu brewing. For many Liu An enthusiasts the era represents the pinnacle of Liu An tea appreciation. - More on the 1950s Liu An Sun Yishun
The Return of Liu An Tea Production (Late 1970s)
1970s Liu An Sun Yishun
The end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949 would be the beginning of the end of capitalism in mainland China. After establishing “The People's Republic of China” Chairman Mao Zedong and the Communist Party would instigate the transformation of the country towards communism. Many private businesses were either shut down or became state controlled operations. Mob riots and class warfare drove vast numbers of the once ruling and powerful elite class out of China to Hong Kong, Taiwan and neighboring countries. Production of the once famous Liu An tea stopped in mainland China for over 20 years. It was not until after the death of Chairman Mao Zedong in 1976 coupled with demands from overseas Chinese (that held on to memories from the previous era) that prompted the return to production in the late 1970s. Great efforts were made to replicate the processing of the past era but the long layoff and wonton destruction of the old facilities during the many waves of chaotic times meant that there were gaps in the overall processing techniques. This was further compounded by the changes to the growing environment and the new generation of workers. It was a great achievement that the reproduced Liu An tea was able to capture the main profile of its ancient predecessor. Over the many decades the 1970s Liu An tea has developed into a very charming and special age tea in its own right. This reproduced Liu An from this era is noted for possessing a softer and more gentle profile in part from the higher fermentation during the processing. - Opening of the 1970s Liu An Sun Yishun
The Industrial Revolution & the Puerh Influence (Post 2000s)
See more of the Educational Series
Additional Note - Trends exist throughout history bringing people together through ideas, beliefs and shared commonality. The hysteria and popularity of puerh tea during this period in time crossed borders not only geographically but also into other categories of tea. Tea leaves from different varieties of the camellia sinensis became compressed to appear like puerh tea to ride the wave of its popularity. Furthermore certain aspects in the production of puerh tea have become exported to be utilized in the processing of other teas. Some batches of Liu Bao tea especially have taken on more of a pronounced ripe puerh tea profile. New Liu An teas in this era have also been made available in greater variety with some possessing overlapping traits to puerh tea.