Chado: The Way of Tea exhibit (Photo by Stephen Morrell)<\/p>\n
Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut is currently hosting an exhibit called through Nov. 30 in its College of East Asian Studies Gallery. The exhibit\u2019s focus is on tea\u2019s origins, the medieval period in China, Japan and Korea and how tea\u2019s role evolved in East Asian society.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat most people take away from the exhibit is how remarkable the results of this plant are,\u201d said Exhibit Curator Stephen Morrell. \u201cIt explores tea\u2019s impact on cultures.\u201d<\/p>\n
The exhibit shows how Camellia sinensis was discovered by Chinese emperor Shennong in 2737 BCE in southeast China and originally used as a medicinal plant; and how its use later spread north and west.<\/p>\n
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Tea\u2019s popularity picked up momentum as Buddhism became established in China. It became used as a beverage and a healthy alternative to alcohol. Morrell spoke of how tea complements Buddhist practices, \u201cBuddhism cultivates presence of mind\u2014your ability to live in this moment. This ritual of making and serving tea became an extension of the practice.\u201d Cha Dao means \u201cthe way of tea,\u201d and relates to tea as an extension of spiritual practice.<\/p>\n
Morrell went on to say that the publication of the first known publication about tea, Cha Ching<\/em>, created by Lu Yu in 760 CE, further bolstered awareness about tea. The text covered preparation methods, different utensils, where tea was grown, the importance of water quality, etc. \u201cThat really caught the attention of the imperial family, and from that point on, tea really took off and became a very significant commodity,\u201d Morrell said of the Tang dynasty (618-906) through the Song dynasty (960-1127).<\/p>\n Chado: The Way of Tea exhibit (Photo by Stephen Morrell)<\/p>\n The exhibit also covers how tea spread to Japan, initially to the aristocracy and warrior class. Then with the publication of KissaY\u014dj\u014dki<\/em> (Drinking Tea for Health)<\/em> by Japanese Buddhist monk Myoan Eisai in 1214, tea drinking spread to the masses.<\/p>\n Several artifacts used in ancient tea preparation have been loaned to the university for the exhibit, such as tea pots, tea caddies, tea scoops and classic Chinese, Japanese and Korean bowls, water vessels, bamboo ware, incense containers and more. There are also photographs covering tea plantations and different types of tea processing.<\/p>\n Tea samples are offered at the exhibit\u2019s programs, the next of which is Sung Poetry and Tea with Assistant Professor of East Asian Studies Ao Wang and Curator Stephen Morrell, Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Morrell plans to curate additional tea related exhibits at Wesleyan University in the future.<\/p>\n Chado: The Way of Tea exhibit (Photo by Stephen Morrell) Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut is currently hosting an exhibit called through Nov. 30 in its College of East Asian Studies Gallery. The exhibit\u2019s focus is on tea\u2019s origins, the medieval period in China, Japan and Korea and how tea\u2019s role evolved in East Asian<\/p>\nRelated Posts:<\/h3>\n
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