The History of Chinese Tea

The content of Chinese tea art primarily focuses on the aesthetic appeal of the five elements—tea leaves, tea water, temperature, tea ware, and environment—while also considering emotional factors to achieve the ultimate enjoyment of both “taste” and “spirituality.” Japanese tea ceremony, referred to as an aesthetic religion, is rooted in the traditional values of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, continuing the legacy of the Tang and Song dynasties.

Tea is classified into six types: black tea, green tea, dark tea, yellow tea, blue tea (Oolong tea), and white tea. Tea ceremony is a literary art form that expresses specific etiquette, human character, emotions, aesthetic views, and spiritual ideas through tea tasting activities. It is the fusion of tea ceremony and spirituality, expressing spirituality through tea ceremony. It originated in China during the Tang Dynasty, reached its peak during the Song and Ming Dynasties, and gradually declined during the Qing Dynasty. The content of Chinese tea art primarily focuses on the aesthetic appeal of the five elements—tea leaves, tea water, temperature, tea ware, and environment—while also considering emotional factors to achieve the ultimate enjoyment of both “taste” and “spirituality.” Japanese tea ceremony, referred to as an aesthetic religion, is rooted in the traditional values of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility, continuing the legacy of the Tang and Song dynasties.