Origin of Tea
Camellia's Genesis Nurtured by the Genius of Tea-Masters
How was Tea Discovered?
Who is Shen Nong?
What are the Oldest Tea Plants?
A Culture Infused With Tea
Seven Household Essentials
Throughout time, tea is considered one of the seven must-have items in a Chinese household. Here are the seven essentials:
柴，米，油，盐，醬，醋，茶
Firewood , Rice , Oil , Salt, Sauce, Vinegar, Tea
Tea’s Spiritual Root
Tea has a deep spiritual root in China. Since the ancient times, it was said the monks were first to cultivate tea in the southern regions of China, where the tea plants thrive in warm climates.
Read more about the Chinese tea culture here.
With more than 1,300 years of evolution in how tea is made and consumed, this simple cup is filled to the brim with history and mystery. Learn more about the evolution of tea-drinking in China here.
Up until the mid-19th century, China was the only country that knew how to make tea, from cultivation to manufacturing to tasting. So how did tea spread to Japan, to India, to Sri Lanka? Discover the fascinating journey of tea through the documentary film 9 DRAGONS TEA. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive screenings and tasting events.
How Tea Grew Within China
“As the art of tea-making and tea-drinking evolved over the major dynasties, the southerner’s drink spread to northern parts of China, where the capital was located.
By the Tang dynasty (618 – 907 A.D.), tea had become China’s national beverage, thanks in part to Lu Yu’s book the “Classic Of Tea” or “Chajing” 茶經 (traditional Chinese) 茶经 (Simplified Chinese).
Published in the year 780 A.D., Lu Yu is the world’s first author on tea. The ancient tea sage pioneered the concept of “Cha Do” or “Chado”, 茶道 (Chinese), encapsulating aesthetic, etiquette, and spirituality into the world of tea, from cultivation to processing to the art of tea drinking.
In simple terms, the “practice of tea” is “a way of life”. This is the “Way Of Tea”. Or the “Way Of Cha”. Hence, Cha Dao, or Chado.
Ever wonder why “tea” is also called “Cha”? Well, this is because tea originated as a southerner’s drink initially in China. And in Cantonese, tea is called “Cha” 茶 (Chinese) .
So depending on the region of China where tea flowed out from, the local word came along with the drink!
How about the word “tea”? Well, it’s the anglicized word for “te” the word for “tea” in many southern Chinese local dialects spoken in tea-growing regions, such as Fujian province where the film is shot on location. For a full story of the etymology of “tea” or “Bohea” for example, be sure to stay connected for updates on the film’s release! This documentary film tells you the whole tea and caboodle on the fascinating world of tea!
We’ve digressed. Back to Lu Yu and his “Chado”. The concept of the “Way Of Tea” was later adopted in Japan, more than seven hundred years later (but who is counting?). Chado was then practiced, preserved, and became the tenant of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, also known as Chado. Fascinating, right? Read more about how tea spread to Japan.
With more than 1,300 years of evolution in how tea is made and consumed, this simple cup is filled to the brim with history and mystery. Learn more about the evolution of tea-drinking in China.
Up until the mid-19th century, China was the only country that knew how to make tea, from cultivation to manufacturing to tasting. So how did tea spread to Japan, to India, to Sri Lanka? Discover the fascinating journey of tea through the documentary film 9 DRAGONS TEA. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive screenings and tasting events.
“Ancient Tea Grinder From Tang Dynasty, or 7th Century. Courtesy of Famen Temple, China.”
A JOURNEY OF TEA THROUGH ART
You’ll love our new artbook! A labor of love, this artbook showcases glorious images, taking you on a journey through ancient tea rituals and how these practices bring calmness, mindfulness, and tranquility through the ages.