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)