Eightyº - Eighty Degrees Tea Magazine Issue 15: The Shape of Tea

Issue 15 explores the concept of shape — from the form of stories and focus of attention to the design of a cup meant to be held, not merely used. This edition examines how tea journeys beyond geography, connecting people and ideas. Discover how Darjeeling tea finds new life in Chiang Mai, how The Book of Tea materializes unexpectedly in Boston, and how a Taiwanese sculptor molds clay as subtle defiance. Learn about Tanzanian growers crafting their own destiny and how tea subtly influences Japanese literature, expressing what words cannot. This magazine is for discerning readers who appreciate meaning and craftsmanship.

India & Thailand: Reimagining Tea Origins

Travel to India and beyond to understand the evolving identity of two of the world’s most iconic tea-growing regions. From Assam’s dynamic present to the unexpected presence of Darjeeling tea culture in Chiang Mai, Thailand, these features examine how place, people, and politics intersect in the cup.

The Quiet Radicalism of Chang Ching Yuan

Meet the ceramic artist who works without a plan or signature. In a world of overexposure and speed, his intuitive process and refusal to brand himself offer a rare, contemplative alternative — a philosophy as much as a practice.

Okakura Kakuzō & Boston’s Tea Legacy

Uncover the lesser-known story of The Book of Tea’s origins — not in Kyoto or Tokyo, but in Boston’s intellectual salons. This historical essay explores how East met West in a time of empire, art, and tea.

1660–2024: A Sculptural History of Teaware

A sweeping visual and historical survey of sculpted forms for tea from 1660 to 2024. Discover how objects designed for brewing and serving reflect shifts in aesthetics, ritual, and meaning over time — from minimalist Japanese clay to futuristic reinterpretations.

Tending Tanzania

Follow the story of Tanzanian tea from the fields to the factory, through the lens of local growers and producers. This feature brings visibility to a region often left out of global tea narratives, celebrating its resilience, ambition, and community.

Tea in Japanese Fiction

Explore the role of tea in Japanese fiction, from The Tale of Genji to Haruki Murakami. These literary echoes reveal how tea becomes a device of intimacy, melancholy, and time — both on the page and in life.