Nate Goldman is a ceramics artist based in North Carolina, specializing in melding modern surfaces and traditional korean forms with chinese gongfu teaware. Nate uses simple and understated glazes to highlight and compliment the rough red stoneware clay body beneath. With a focus on form and functionality, Nate's wheel-thrown teaware elevates the tea-drinking experience, inviting mindfulness and peace to the daily routine. 

THE GONGFUCHA METHOD
Gongfucha is a traditional Chinese method of preparing and serving tea. The name "Gongfu" refers to the skill and care required to make tea in this way. Gongfucha involves the use of clay teapots and a high leaf-to-water ratio than in other tea-making methods. The idea is to extract as much flavor and aroma from the tea as possible, resulting in a stronger, more complex brew.

To prepare tea using the Gongfucha method, tea leaves are steeped multiple times in short bursts, typically 10-30 seconds each time, with the first infusion being the shortest. Each subsequent infusion is slightly longer, allowing the tea to slowly release its full flavor and aroma. The tea is poured into small cups, and the process is repeated multiple times, with different teas often being served one after the other.

Gongfucha is not just about the tea, but also about the experience of making and sharing it. The focus is on creating a sense of calm and relaxation, and on enjoying the tea with friends and family. It's a wonderful way to savor the beauty and complexity of tea, and to fully appreciate the craft of tea-making.

You can follow more of Goldman’s work @goldmanteaware