Continued

A.D. 960 –1279 Sung Dynasty.
Tea Drinking continued from the Sung Dynasty. Emperor Hui Tsug (A.D.1107-1125) wrote a book names Ta Kaun Ch’a Lun. This book of his was very famous and it was all about tea. It gave a detailed description about the skills involved i.e. growing, brewing, processing and drinking tea. Although rareing tea was a hardest process it was best of all said the Emperor.. He encouraged everyone to enjoy the benefits of drinking tea.. In the mean time specialist developed ways of making loose tea leaves rather than using teas bricks or balls. People then started brewing tealeaves in special teapots and drank tea in special cups. Then it was discovered that the pottery greatly influenced the taste of tea so they began to refine their craftsmanship.

1368-1644 Ming Dynasty
Throughout this dynasty their main aim was how do they preserve tea and how do they simplify the preparation of tea without compromising its taste.. New ways of making strong tea was invented. Shiploads of porcelain were exported to China. It was at this time that tea tasting had become a recognized profession. Awards were presented for the best tea making and tea maker with the best tea sets. The government also reduced the tea tax and promoted the mass production and cultivation of tea.

1644-1911 Ching DynastyDuring this dynasty the spirits of the people fell along with the popularity of tea. Very little research was carried out on tea but tea-drinking habits of the people had also changed: where as tea was used to prolong any visitor’s stay and to welcome visitors.

1911 Chinese Republic
After the Manchu Dynasty, the Chinese Republic was formed after 38 years. 100 years later people had the tendency to drink tea in combination with other activities. For example, in Fukien teahouses also housed baths, while in Canton they served tea with dim sum. Teahouses were also venues for story telling. The wealthy people started commission research into finding many other luxury teas that could be appreciated for their taste alone in times to come.

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