Steeped in History

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After water, tea is the most consumed beverage globally. In ancient China, it was considered one of life's seven necessities, while for many Japanese, it has been integral to rituals seeking enlightenment. In England, afternoon tea is a cherished tradition, and in the United States, it is linked to the American Revolution. Beyond its culinary versatility, tea has long been a significant commodity, playing complex roles throughout history. It has served as a health remedy, a cultural staple, and a source of spiritual insight, but it has also been a catalyst for international conflict, drug trafficking, oppressive taxation, and harsh labor conditions. In "Steeped in History," editor Beatrice Hohenegger, along with eleven esteemed historians and art historians, explores tea's journey from its origins in ancient China to contemporary plantations in Assam, traversing oceans and continents. They delve into tea's influence on visual and literary arts, examining the diverse vessels used for its preparation and consumption, as well as tea-themed scenes in ceramics, textiles, paintings, drawings, caricatures, songs, and poetry.