An exhibition featuring the unique Chinese tea culture of the
Tang Dynasty (618-907) opened in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The exhibition entitled, "Poetry and Ceramic Art: Collection of
the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the K.S. Lo Collection of the
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware", opened at the Flagstaff House
Museum of Tea Ware, and runs until March 5, 2007.
On display are more than 120 pieces of Chinese tea ware and
other vessels dating from the Tang Dynasty to the 20th century.
Part of the exhibition includes accompanying works of poetry and
paintings that depict tea drinking.
Organizers said the exhibition offers visitors a fascinating
insight into the art of Chinese tea culture and provides them the
opportunity to appreciate "tea in poetic lyrics, and teapots fused
with poetry".
China's long history of tea drinking dates back to the Tang
Dynasty when tea became the national drink. It was widely promoted
by the literati, making tea gatherings a popular leisure pursuit in
such circles.
Among the exposition articles, Chajing or the
Culture of Tea, is an important piece of writing because it is
the first comprehensive essay on tea and China's tea-drinking
culture.
Before the Tang Dynasty, wine was the beverage of preference for
poets because it stimulated creativity. As one can imagine, many
poems were written on the subject.
To top off the exhibition, an educational corner with
interactive games and graphic panels has been set up in the gallery
to enhance the visitor's appreciation of ceramic art and
understanding of Chajing and "tea poetry" from the
different periods in history.
(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2006)