The 1680's saw the habit of drinking tea become widespread. This led to the manufacture of a special table. By the 18th Century in the new genre of the conversation piece, tea came to symbolise elegant sociability, when family and friends came together around a table replete with silver teapot and caddy with porcelain dishes for drinking. The whole idea of ceremony was important because it meant giving time to the act of being together. In China this became distinct in the famous 'Tea Ceremony'. THe passage of time seems to convey importance even with the drinking of simple cup of tea. A time and place and being in company were held to be the important elements.
Monday, 19 January 2009
The Tea Table
The 1680's saw the habit of drinking tea become widespread. This led to the manufacture of a special table. By the 18th Century in the new genre of the conversation piece, tea came to symbolise elegant sociability, when family and friends came together around a table replete with silver teapot and caddy with porcelain dishes for drinking. The whole idea of ceremony was important because it meant giving time to the act of being together. In China this became distinct in the famous 'Tea Ceremony'. THe passage of time seems to convey importance even with the drinking of simple cup of tea. A time and place and being in company were held to be the important elements.
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Its random but I thought you might like to know. At work last night Cash in the Celebrity Attic was on TV and it featured a full silver tea set. Throughout the programme they commented on how such tea sets dont sell very well anymore because people don't sit down together and drink tea like they used to. In the end the set sold for much less than it was worth.
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