The Process of Tea Affairs in Ancient China
Primitive to Eastern Han Dynasty: Discovery and Early Use
Tea was first discovered in the Shennong era (28th century BC) and used as medicine. In the Western Zhou Dynasty, it became a tribute, and in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, it was used as a food ingredient. By the Western Han Dynasty, tea became a commodity, and the Eastern Han Dynasty recorded its medicinal effect of enhancing thinking—though a teapot for brewing had not yet become popular at this early stage.
Three Kingdoms to Sui Dynasty: Popularization Among the Upper Class
The Three Kingdoms period saw the earliest record of "replacing wine with tea". During the Sui Dynasty, tea drinking became popular among the upper class, evolving from a medicinal product to a social drink. Emperor Wen of Sui recovered from illness by drinking tea, prompting people to collect and drink it, and simple teapot-like vessels began to be used for brewing.
Tang to Song Dynasty: Prosperity and Cultural Development
The Tang Dynasty witnessed tea’s popularity among all people, with tribute tea gardens built, tea tax imposed, and Lu Yu’s The Classic of Tea published. Tea was introduced to Japan, and special teapots emerged in the late Tang. The Song Dynasty developed tribute tea and saw Emperor Huizong promote tea culture, with teapots becoming an essential part of tea ceremonies.
Ming to Qing Dynasty: Institutional Reform and Global Spread
The Ming Dynasty abolished cake tea and promoted loose-leaf tea, establishing tea trade institutions. In the Qing Dynasty, tea was exported to Europe and America, with the first mechanical tea company founded in Fuzhou. A proper teapot became indispensable for brewing, accompanying the global spread of Chinese tea.