Tea and tea culture have been an integrated part of Chinese history and society for centuries. Tea, teawares, and drinking vessels are an important and unique window into the evolution of Chinese culture.By all accounts, China's tea culture can be traced as far back to before 2000 BC. An old story goes that the mythical Emperor Shennong discovered tea when a leaf fell into boiling water he was drinking, beginning a tradition that exists to this day.Tea culture spread throughout China during the Tang dynasty, particularly after the completion of The Classic of Tea (Cha Jing) by Lu Yu in the 8th century. Lu Yu, who later earned fame as the 'Sage (圣人) of Tea,' had an enormous impact on the spread of tea drinking and linked it to Buddhist ideas, including the harmony and mysteries of the universe. The Classic of Tea is the oldest known guide to tea drinking and culture. It covers all aspects of tea culture, from growing to harvesting, crafting, and brewing (冲泡), as well as techniques for farmers and craftsmen to produce the finest teas. Throughout the Tang dynasty, the culture of tea drinking spread quickly. Inspired by Lu Yu's ideas, the literati (文人) attributed medicinal qualities to tea, praised for sharpening the mind. At the same time, wine and alcoholic drinks were falling out of favor for their intoxicating properties, paving a path for tea to spread throughout society and to be used in religious rituals and offerings.Utensils (器具) specifically made for the preparation of tea appeared during the Tang dynasty. The teawares from the period facilitated a complex process of tea making that was clearly described in The Classic of Tea. Following the process described by Lu Yu, tea leaves were first steamed in a steamer. The leaves were then ground using a mortar (臼) and shaped into cake before being dried and strung with reed (芦苇) or bamboo. Eventually, the tea was ground and cooked in a pot before drinking in a tea bowl. The Classic of Tea describes 28 utensils used to brew and drink tea, including teapots and bowls.Teaware also reflected the ceramic (陶制的) innovations of the period. Yue ware, for example, emerged as the most used type of ceramic tea implements in the form of celadon-glazed pottery wares (青瓷釉陶器) marked by the traditional greenish color. White porcelain Xing ware also emerged during this time.26) How was tea discovered according to an ancient story?A. Emperor Shennong was boiling water with heat from burning leaves.B. Emperor Shennong discovered a tea plant while boiling water.C. Emperor Shennong was drinking water while watching leaves fall.D. A leaf accidentally fell into Emperor Shennong's boiled water.

Tea and tea culture have been an integrated part of Chinese history and society for centuries. Tea, teawares, and drinking vessels are an important and unique window into the evolution of Chinese culture. By all accounts, China's tea culture can be traced as far back to before 2000 BC. An old story goes that the mythical Emperor Shennong discovered tea when a leaf fell into boiling water he was drinking, beginning a tradition that exists to this day. Tea culture spread throughout China during the Tang dynasty, particularly after the completion of The Classic of Tea (Cha Jing) by Lu Yu in the 8th century. Lu Yu, who later earned fame as the 'Sage (圣人) of Tea,' had an enormous impact on the spread of tea drinking and linked it to Buddhist ideas, including the harmony and mysteries of the universe. The Classic of Tea is the oldest known guide to tea drinking and culture. It covers all aspects of tea culture, from growing to harvesting, crafting, and brewing (冲泡), as well as techniques for farmers and craftsmen to produce the finest teas. Throughout the Tang dynasty, the culture of tea drinking spread quickly. Inspired by Lu Yu's ideas, the literati (文人) attributed medicinal qualities to tea, praised for sharpening the mind. At the same time, wine and alcoholic drinks were falling out of favor for their intoxicating properties, paving a path for tea to spread throughout society and to be used in religious rituals and offerings. Utensils (器具) specifically made for the preparation of tea appeared during the Tang dynasty. The teawares from the period facilitated a complex process of tea making that was clearly described in The Classic of Tea. Following the process described by Lu Yu, tea leaves were first steamed in a steamer. The leaves were then ground using a mortar (臼) and shaped into cake before being dried and strung with reed (芦苇) or bamboo. Eventually, the tea was ground and cooked in a pot before drinking in a tea bowl. The Classic of Tea describes 28 utensils used to brew and drink tea, including teapots and bowls. Teaware also reflected the ceramic (陶制的) innovations of the period. Yue ware, for example, emerged as the most used type of ceramic tea implements in the form of celadon-glazed pottery wares (青瓷釉陶器) marked by the traditional greenish color. White porcelain Xing ware also emerged during this time. 26) How was tea discovered according to an ancient story? A. Emperor Shennong was boiling water with heat from burning leaves. B. Emperor Shennong discovered a tea plant while boiling water. C. Emperor Shennong was drinking water while watching leaves fall. D. A leaf accidentally fell into Emperor Shennong's boiled water.