An exhibition featuring the unique Chinese tea culture of the Tang Dynasty
(618-907) opened here for free on Wednesday to give the public an in-depth
understanding of the culture passed on for generations.
The exhibition "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" at the
Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, will run until March 5, 2007, according to
organizers.
The exhibition features more than 120 pieces of Chinese tea ware and related
vessels from the Tang Dynasty to the 20th century, with the accompany of
inspiring poetry and paintings related to tea drinking.
Organizers said the exhibition will offer visitors a fascinating insight into
the art of Chinese tea culture while appreciating "tea in poetic lyrics and
teapots embellished with poetry."
China's long history of tea drinking dated back to the Tang Dynasty when tea
became a national drink, and 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 was the most
important in the establishment of Chinese tea culture since it was the first
comprehensive essay on tea and China's tea- drinking culture.
Before the Tang Dynasty, wine was the preference for poets in stimulating
creativity and many poems were written on the subject.
To complement 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 the "Chajing" and the tea
poetry of different eras.