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The art of the tea ceremony in China: a history stretching back thousands of years


Mughal-style teapot in translucent white jade, China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

More than just a drink, the Chinese tea ceremony is a truly sensory and spiritual experience. It invites contemplation, communion with nature and the search for inner harmony.


Every gesture is codified, from the choice of utensils to the preparation and tasting of the tea. Water, fire, earth and air, the four fundamental elements, are represented in the ceremony, symbolising the balance and harmony of the cosmos.



Porcelain buire, China, 16th century, kept at the Musée Cernuschi in Paris


Participants in the ceremony gather in a calm, refined space, often decorated with paintings and calligraphy evoking nature. They adopt a respectful and attentive attitude, immersing themselves in the delicate scents of tea and the peaceful silence that reigns.


The tea ceremony is an invitation to slow down from the hectic pace of everyday life, to reconnect with oneself and appreciate the simple things in life. It's a time for sharing and conviviality, where participants bond over an age-old tradition that celebrates the beauty and wisdom of Chinese culture.


This ceremony, which has been central to Chinese culture for centuries, has inspired a rich artistic tradition. Ceramics, paintings and calligraphy trace the evolution of this refined art of living, offering a fascinating insight into its codes and symbolism.



Stoneware teapot, China, 19th century, kept at the Musée Cernuschi in Paris


The Tang dynasty (618-907) saw the appearance of the first tea utensils, decorated with floral motifs and poetic inscriptions. The Song dynasty (960-1279) saw the rise of ceramics, with stoneware and porcelain teapots in elegant, refined shapes. The importance of tea in daily life is reflected in the paintings of the period, in which scholars and monks savour the beverage in peaceful landscapes.


Under the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the tea ceremony was codified and became an art in its own right. Utensils were refined, with bronze and jade teapots, finely decorated cups and bamboo tea brushes. Symbolism played an important role, with each element of the ceremony having its own meaning.



Stoneware teapot, China, 19th century, kept at the Musée Cernuschi in Paris


The Qing dynasty (1644-1912) marked the apogee of the art of the tea ceremony. Jingdezhen porcelain, with its bright colours and intricate designs, became a coveted collector's item. Paintings by scholars celebrated the harmony between man and nature, often depicted in scenes of tea drinking in lush gardens.


Today, the art of the tea ceremony continues to inspire Chinese and contemporary artists. Sculptures, installations and videos explore the different dimensions of this cultural heritage, celebrating the beauty and spirituality of a thousand-year-old tradition.


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