April 24, 2017

This post is in memory of Ashima – Yang Li Kun, born on April 24, 1942.

Teanami (Yang Li Kun Teas in China) was founded in memory of Yang Li Kun (synonymous with Ashima, her role in the movie Ashima). Our Pu Erh cakes show a side view of Ashima's face.

And here is the story of Ashima…

Yang was born in Mo Hei town of Yunnan Province. In 1959, she starred in "Five Golden Flowers." The film became an instant success. Years later, she even performed for powerful leaders of the communist party including Mao Zhe Dong, Zhou EnLai, and Chen Yi.

In 1964 the film "Ashima," Yang's role was to play an Yi ethnic minority – Ashima. The film was about the life of Yi people in Yunnan's Stone Forest and a pure and innocent love story. Both of these films were regarded as China film industry's masterpieces. The film helped solidify Yang as the Goddess of Beauty in the hearts of Chinese for over half a century. However, the film was also the start of a string of unfortunate events for Yang.

Back then, the very conservative Communist party did not take lightly on a film so openly praising love. Yang was being categorized as an anti-revolutionist and a labelled as "the poisonous weed of the middle class." For years, Yang fought hard and struggled with these anti-patriotic labels. People around her criticized her and left her. She was eventually sent to a psychiatric institution and passed away in 2000.

On her tombstone carves in Chinese, You quietly left with nothing for yourself. All your dedication and kindness, just to exchange for nothing but a tragedy?

Yang Li Kun Teas was founded in memory of her kindness. Through providing high quality all-natural Pu Erh tea, we hope to share the traditions and treasures of Yunnan to the world.

If you are curious on how tea can imrpove your health, here are:

7 Non-Scientific Reasons why Tea is Good for You!